Which of the following transitions within an atom is not possible?
A)An electron begins in an excited state and then gains enough energy to jump to the ground state.
B)An electron begins in the ground state and then gains enough energy to jump to an excited state.
C)An electron begins in the ground state and then gains enough energy to become ionized.
D)An electron begins in an excited state and then gains enough energy to become ionized.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Electrons move from lower to higher energy levels (excited states) by gaining energy, and they release energy when they return to lower energy levels or the ground state. The transition described in A, where an electron gains energy to move to a lower energy state (ground state), contradicts the principles of quantum mechanics.

Which of the Following Transitions Within an Atom Is Not