Question

The structure given below is of an atom showing shells or orbits, each of these shells is associated with a fixed amount of energy. Which among the K, L , M shells has the highest energy?

• A. K
• B. L
• C. M
• D. All of these

Answer 1

The correct option is C M

Electrons revolve around the nucleus in definite orbits or shells which are labeled as K, L, M, N and so on. Each of these shells is associated with a fixed amount of energy, and therefore each is known as energy level. An electron present in the first or the K shell, that is one lying nearest to the nucleus, possess the least amount of energy. Each discrete distance orbit from the nucleus corresponds to a certain energy level. The shells nearer to the nucleus have less energy as the force of attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged is maximum. The force of attraction between the positively charged nucleus and negatively charged electrons decreases with increasing distance from the nucleus. Electrons with the higher energy levels exist in the outermost shell of an atom and are relatively loosely bound to the atom.