Which of the following best describes how an electron can move from a lower energy shell to a higher energy shell?

• A. By colliding with another electron and transferring energy away
• B. By emitting a photon with energy equal to the difference between the two shells
• C. By absorbing a photon with energy equal to the difference between the two shells
• D. By losing kinetic energy to its surroundings

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrons in atoms occupy specific energy levels or shells, and moving between these levels requires energy changes.
2. Recall that to move from a lower energy shell to a higher energy shell, an electron must gain energy equal to the difference between these two energy levels.
3. Recognize that energy transfer to an electron can occur through absorption of a photon, where the photon's energy matches exactly the energy gap between the shells.
4. Note that emitting a photon corresponds to an electron moving from a higher energy shell to a lower one, releasing energy rather than gaining it.
5. Conclude that the correct process for an electron to move to a higher energy shell is by absorbing a photon with energy equal to the difference between the two shells.