When an electron jumps from lower orbit to a higher orbit, it ____ energy.

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Option A: Absorbs

Explanation & Concepts:
When an electron moves from a lower energy orbit (ground state) to a higher energy orbit (excited state), it must gain energy equal to the difference between the two energy levels. This energy is typically provided by the absorption of a photon.

Working Principle: According to Bohr's model, the energy of an electron in an orbit is quantized. An electron can only transition between discrete energy levels if it absorbs or emits a quantum of energy, denoted as $E = h
u$. Absorption occurs when an external photon interacts with the electron, providing the necessary energy $\Delta E = E_{final} - E_{initial}$.

Key Formulas: $\Delta E = E_2 - E_1 = h
u$ — where $\Delta E$ is energy change, $h$ is Planck's constant, and $
u$ is frequency.; $E_n = -\frac{13.6}{n^2} eV$ — energy of an electron in the nth orbit of a Hydrogen atom.

Key Points: Energy states in an atom are quantized.; Transition to a higher shell requires energy absorption.; Transition to a lower shell results in energy emission as a photon.; The photon energy must exactly match the energy gap.

Applications: Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy; Laser Technology; Semiconductor band gap engineering

Additional Info: The energy difference $\Delta E$ is defined as $E_{upper} - E_{lower}$.. Option B (Emits) is the process that occurs when an electron returns from a higher orbit to a lower orbit, releasing a photon.

Answer: A is correct — The electron requires an input of energy to overcome the potential difference when moving to a higher energy level.

Exam Tip: Always remember: Upward transition = Absorption (gain), Downward transition = Emission (loss).

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Option B: Emits

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Option C: Sometimes emits, sometimes absorbs

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Option D: None of the above

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