Which change in electron location in an atom of calcium is accompanied by the greatest amount of energy emitted?

NY Regents Chemistry Exam August 2023 Question 34

34  Which change in electron location in an atom of calcium is accompanied by the greatest amount of energy emitted?

(1) from shell 1 to shell 2

(2) from shell 2 to shell 1

(3) from shell 1 to shell 4

(4) from shell 4 to shell 1

Solution: Energy is absorbed when an electron travels from a lower to a higher energy level. Energy is emitted when an electron travels from a higher to a lower energy level. We can eliminate choices 1 and 3 because electron is traveling from a lower to a higher energy level. For choices 2 and 4, we go from shell 2 to 1 or shell 4 to 1. Going from shell 4 to 1 will result in the greatest amount of energy emitted. Choice 4 is correct.

Choice 3

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