When a lithium atom in its ground state is made from a helium atom by adding a proton (and neutron) to the nucleus and an electron outside, the electron goes into an n = 2, state rather than an n = 3, This is an indication that electrons:
A) obey the Pauli exclusion principle
B) obey the minimum energy principle
C) undergo the Zeeman effect
D) are diffracted
E) and protons are interchangeable

Question

When a lithium atom in its ground state is made from a helium atom by adding a proton (and neutron) to the nucleus and an electron outside, the electron goes into an n = 2,  state rather than an n = 3,  This is an indication that electrons:
A) obey the Pauli exclusion principle 
B) obey the minimum energy principle 
C) undergo the Zeeman effect 
D) are diffracted 
E) and protons are interchangeable

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The electron goes into the n=2 state because it has the minimum energy required to exist in that atom. This is in accordance with the minimum energy principle, which states that electrons must occupy the lowest available energy level.

When a Lithium Atom in Its Ground State Is Made