Question

Why do electrons have potential energy?

Answer 1

1. Potential energy is energy due to the position of an object.
2. The total energy of an electron always consists of kinetic energy and potential energy.
3. When the electrons are excited, they tend to move to higher energy orbitals away from the atom.
4. This motion of electrons results in kinetic and potential energy.
5. As the distance of the orbital from the nucleus increases, the potential energy of the electron at that energy level increases.

Therefore, electrons have potential energy as they move.