Atomic structure
Read our general notes on Risk Assessment
Which electron transition represents a gain of energy?
Ulex replies ...
All transitions in which electrons move from a lower level to a higher level require a gain of energy.
At room temperature electrons in atoms, ions and molecules can be assumed, in the absence of any evidence to the contrary, to be in their ground states, that is, the lowest energy level available to them. In order to raise an electron to a higher energy level in is necessary to supply energy from some external source. An example is the heating of an ionic solid on a flame-test wire; the electrons in the heated sample gain energy from the flame and are promoted to higher energy levels.
Risk assessment
Before attempting any practical work based on the advice and suggestions on this website, you must do the following. Identify any hazards, assess the risks from these hazards, and then decide appropriate control measures to reduce the risks. You must have these approved by those in authority in your school or college laboratory. Do not rely on what is said on this website.
For further guidance see our tutorial on Risk Assessment.
Rate this page or react
Share your views on this page, 3 ratings so far
, rated at 
updated: 13 January 2004
