Energy Level Diagram - GCSE Chemistry Definition

Reviewed by: Richard Boole

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An energy level diagram is a simple visual tool used in chemistry to show the different energy levels of electrons in an atom. Each level is represented by a horizontal line, with the lowest line showing the lowest energy level closest to the nucleus. As you move up the diagram, the lines represent higher energy levels that are further from the nucleus. Electrons can jump between these levels by gaining or losing energy, often through absorbing or emitting light. Knowing how electrons are arranged in energy levels helps us understand how atoms join together to make molecules. This is important for understanding how chemical reactions work.

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Richard Boole

Reviewer: Richard Boole

Expertise: Chemistry Content Creator

Richard has taught Chemistry for over 15 years as well as working as a science tutor, examiner, content creator and author. He wasn’t the greatest at exams and only discovered how to revise in his final year at university. That knowledge made him want to help students learn how to revise, challenge them to think about what they actually know and hopefully succeed; so here he is, happily, at SME.

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