A Level Physics Practice Exam

What occurs during the process of excitation in an atom?

1. An electron is removed from the atom

2. An electron in a higher state releases energy

3. An electron absorbs energy to move to a higher level

4. An atom loses mass

The correct answer is: An electron absorbs energy to move to a higher level

During the process of excitation in an atom, an electron absorbs energy which causes it to move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. This energy can be supplied by various means, such as thermal energy, light, or electrical energy. When the electron absorbs the appropriate amount of energy, it gains enough energy to overcome the potential barrier that keeps it in its original state, allowing it to jump to the higher energy state. This transition is fundamental in understanding how atoms interact with energy and how that interaction can lead to phenomena such as the emission of light when the electron eventually returns to its original state and releases energy in the form of a photon. This process is a key concept in fields such as quantum mechanics and atomic physics, illustrating how electrons behave under the influence of external energy sources.