Energy Level Question

[Anand Narayan 1G]

How does the wavelength of an electron change as it jumps to a new energy level?

[Chem_Mod]

Think about this: Does the energy of the electron increase or decrease? How does that relate to the wavelength?

[katherinemurk 2B]

When an electron jumps from a lower energy level to a higher energy level (ex. n=1 to n=3) then energy is absorbed. Therefore, the electron gains energy since it is moving away from the nucleus. When an electron goes down to a lower energy level (returning to ground state) it emits energy. Therefore it loses energy. Since wavelength is inversely proportional to energy, when energy increases, wavelength decreases.

[ThomascnguyenDis1J]

Thank you, Catherine for the clarification. This really helped me picture the change of an electron's wavelength in my head and give me a greater understanding.

[305115396]

An electron jumping to a new energy level means that it is gaining energy. When energy increases, wavelength decreases. Therefore, when an electron jumps to a new energy level, the wavelength decreases.