Question

Though the kinetic energy of electrons decreases with an increase in the distance from the nucleus, the potential energy of the electron increases. How do you account for this?

Answer 1

1. An electron's kinetic energy is related to its velocity.
2. The electron's velocity drops as the distance between it and the nucleus grows because the electron must overcome a less nuclear force of attraction.
3. When an electron approaches an atom's nucleus, it loses potential energy as it works against the force of attraction.
4. As a result, the electron's potential energy drops as the distance between the nucleus and the electron lowers and increases as the distance between the nucleus and the electron increases.