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The electrons by themselves don't absorb or release this energy. They do that within the context of the atom they are within. The discrete energy levels available to electrons are only there due ...
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#2: Post edited
The electrons by themselves don't absorb or release this energy. They do that within the context of the atom they are within.- It's like a book has more potential energy when on a higher shelf in a bookcase. While books can have potential energy by themselves, the concept of discrete levels due to which shelf they are on makes no sense without the bookcase.
- The electrons by themselves don't absorb or release this energy. They do that within the context of the atom they are within. The discrete energy levels available to electrons are only there due to them being lumped together in close proximity to the other electrons, protons, and neutrons that form the structure we call an atom.
- It's like a book has more potential energy when on a higher shelf in a bookcase. While books can have potential energy by themselves, the concept of discrete levels due to which shelf they are on makes no sense without the bookcase.
#1: Initial revision
The electrons by themselves don't absorb or release this energy. They do that within the context of the atom they are within. It's like a book has more potential energy when on a higher shelf in a bookcase. While books can have potential energy by themselves, the concept of discrete levels due to which shelf they are on makes no sense without the bookcase.