When I was taught energy levels in a hydrogen atom – I was given the formula ;Energy = -13.6/n^2.
(1)What purpose does that minus sign signify?
(2)If energy in the first Bohr orbit is -13.6 and in the second one is -3.4 is:
(a) The energy in the second orbit greater as
-3.4 > -13.6 or
(b) The energy in the first orbit is greater as
|-13. 6| > |-3.4|?
Is there a better way to look at the energy values (as the minus sign is confusing)?
In: 12
1. The purpose of the minus sign is to show it takes energy to remove an electron as it is attracted to the positive nucleus. Imagine two pieces of velcro stuck together, and if you want to separate them, you have to add energy. Same thing with electrons in atoms.
2. This links to the first part. The further away the electron is from the nucleus, the less energy it takes to remove. Now imagine velcro is less sticky. Its easier to separate.
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