Question

As the principal quantum number increases, the difference of distance of separation between consecutive energy levels :

• A. Decreases.
• B. Remains the same.
• C. Increases.
• D. Sometimes increases and sometimes decreases.

Answer 1

The correct option is C Increases.

A higher effective nuclear charge causes greater attractions to the electrons, pulling the electron cloud closer to the nucleus which results in a smaller atomic radius. Down a group, the number of energy levels (n) increases, so there is a greater distance between the nucleus and the outermost orbital.