When is the absorption spectrum of an electron generated?

• A. When an electron remains in its ground state without any energy change.
• B. When an electron absorbs energy and moves from a lower to a higher energy level.
• C. When an electron is ejected from the atom during ionization.
• D. When an electron emits energy and moves from a higher to a lower energy level.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that an absorption spectrum is generated when electrons in atoms or molecules absorb specific amounts of energy.
2. Recall that electrons occupy discrete energy levels, and absorption occurs when an electron moves from a lower energy level (usually the ground state) to a higher energy level by absorbing a photon with energy equal to the difference between these levels.
3. Recognize that if the electron remains in the ground state without any energy change, no absorption occurs, so no absorption spectrum is generated.
4. Note that ionization involves completely removing an electron from the atom, which is a different process and not directly related to the absorption spectrum.
5. Understand that emission spectra occur when electrons fall from higher to lower energy levels, releasing energy, which is distinct from absorption spectra.