Index

Atoms
The Elements
Electron Energy Levels
Light Photons
Atomic Absorption Spectra
Atomic Emission Spectra
Stellar Spectra

Electron Energy Levels and Orbitals

Electrons can occupy a range of energy levels. Quantum Physicists have discovered that the energy which binds electrons to nuclei does not vary smoothly. Electrons occupy bands of energy called orbitals. They can only change energies in jumps called quanta. Each type of atom has its own unique set of electron orbital levels.