Energy Level - GCSE Chemistry Definition

An energy level is a specific amount of energy that an electron in an atom can have. Think of it like steps on a ladder: electrons can move up or down between these steps, but they can't be in between them. Each element has its own unique energy levels, also known as electron shells, and these determine how an element's electrons are arranged. When an electron absorbs energy, it can jump to a higher energy level, and when it loses energy, it falls to a lower one. Understanding energy levels helps us explain how atoms bond with each other and how they react in chemical reactions.