According to the Bohr model of atomic quantization, which statement is correct regarding the energy levels of an electron in a hydrogen atom?

• A. The electron can occupy only certain discrete energy levels.
• B. The electron emits energy continuously as it orbits the nucleus.
• C. The energy of the electron increases as it moves closer to the nucleus.
• D. The electron can have any energy value between the nucleus and infinity.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that the Bohr model of the hydrogen atom proposes that electrons orbit the nucleus in specific, quantized energy levels rather than any arbitrary orbit.
2. Understand that these energy levels correspond to discrete values of energy, meaning the electron can only exist in certain allowed energy states, not in between them.
3. Recognize that when an electron transitions between these energy levels, it emits or absorbs energy in the form of photons, but it does not emit energy continuously while orbiting at a fixed level.
4. Note that the energy of the electron becomes less negative (increases) as it moves farther from the nucleus, meaning the lowest energy (most stable) state is closest to the nucleus.
5. Conclude that the correct statement is that the electron can occupy only certain discrete energy levels, reflecting the quantized nature of atomic energy states in the Bohr model.