answersLogoWhite

0

It is actually the nucleus of the atom that emits energy. The energy we can harness comes from fission or splitting of the nucleus of uranium235 or plutonium239. The nucleus splits into two parts which recoil and give up their kinetic energy as heat when they are stopped in the fuel, and there is also some energy from gamma rays at the same time. Basically in the process the final results of the fission have lost mass, and this appears as energy following the relation E = M x C2.

Atoms can also emit energy as radioactivity, without fissioning. This can be alpha, beta, or gamma radiation. Alpha and beta are particles, so that the resulting nucleus is changed and there results a different element. Gamma is a penetrating ray in the electromagnetic spectrum and corresponds to a change in the energy state of the nucleus, but it remains the same element.

User Avatar

Wiki User

16y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Chemistry

What happens after an atom stores energy from passing electrons?

When an atom absorbs energy from passing electrons, the electrons may move to higher energy levels within the atom. This can lead to the atom becoming excited or even ionized. Eventually, the atom will release the stored energy in the form of light or heat to return to a more stable state.


Describe what happens to the outermost electron in a sodium atom when the atom is heated and made to give off a line spectrum?

When a sodium atom is heated and gives off a line spectrum, the outermost electron absorbs energy and gets excited to a higher energy level. As the electron returns to its original energy level, it releases this energy in the form of light, creating the characteristic line spectrum of sodium.


What happens to a metal atom when a splint soaked with chloride and placed in a flame and color is produced?

When a metal atom is heated in a flame with a chloride compound, the metal atom absorbs energy and is excited to a higher energy state. As the metal atom returns to its ground state, it emits light of a specific wavelength, resulting in the production of a characteristic color. This color can be used to identify the metal present in the compound.


What causes an electron to change energy levels within an atom?

An electron changes energy levels within an atom when it absorbs or emits a specific amount of energy, typically in the form of light or heat. This process is known as electron excitation or de-excitation.


What state is an atom in which an electron has moved to a higher energy level?

An atom in which an electron has moved to a higher energy level is in an excited state. This can happen when the electron absorbs energy from its surroundings, such as from light or heat. The electron will eventually return to its original energy level, releasing the absorbed energy as light.

Related Questions

What happens when an atom absorbs ultraviolet energy and an electron is involved?

When an atom absorbs ultraviolet energy and an electron is involved, the electron can move to a higher energy level or be ejected from the atom, leading to the atom becoming ionized or excited.


What happens when hydrogen atom absorbs a quantum of enery?

The electrons move up to a higher energy level.


What happens when electrons absorbs energy?

When an electron in an atom absorbs a specific "Quantum" of energy, it will jump to the next specific energy level in the atom. It'll then jump back down, and in so doing releasing light and giving off a signature light spectrum for an element.


What happens after an atom stores energy from passing electrons?

When an atom absorbs energy from passing electrons, the electrons may move to higher energy levels within the atom. This can lead to the atom becoming excited or even ionized. Eventually, the atom will release the stored energy in the form of light or heat to return to a more stable state.


What happens when you break a hydrogen atom?

it absorbs a lot of heat.


What is a possible result of an atom that absorbs sufficient energy?

The atom may emit a photon.


When an atom absorbs energy that causes one of its electrons to move to a higher energy level the atom is said to be in?

Excited state


What happens when an electron in an atom absorbs energy?

When an electron in an atom absorbs a specific "Quantum" of energy, it will jump to the next specific energy level in the atom. It'll then jump back down, and in so doing releasing light and giving off a signature light spectrum for an element.


What happens when photon is absorbed by atom?

When a photon is absorbed by an atom, it can excite an electron to a higher energy level or even ionize the atom by completely removing an electron. This absorption of energy can cause the atom to undergo various processes such as fluorescence, photoelectric effect, or photoionization, depending on the energy of the photon and the characteristics of the atom.


When does an electron go from the ground state to an excited state?

When the atom absorbs energy of the proper frequency/energy.


What happens when a molecule absorbs ultraviolet radiation?

When oxygen absorbs UV, it breaks it down. That atom then reacts again with oxygen to form ozone.


What happens when the electrons absorbs energy?

When electrons absorb energy, they can move to higher energy levels within an atom. This can cause the atom to become excited or ionized, leading to the emission of light or other forms of radiation. The absorbed energy can also be used to power chemical reactions or create electrical currents in certain materials.