The Absorption & Emission of EM Radiation (AQA GCSE Physics)

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The Absorption & Emission of EM Radiation

  • Electrons in an atom are arranged in energy levels
    • Lower energy levels are closer to the nucleus, whilst higher energy levels are further away from the nucleus of the atom

  • These electrons can absorb energy
  • This happens when waves of electromagnetic radiation (such as light and heat) hit them

    When electrons absorb electromagnetic radiation, they move to a higher energy level

Absorption of EM, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The electron absorbs electromagnetic radiation which causes it to move up an energy level

  • Dark coloured objects are good absorbers of radiation
    • They appear dark because they do not reflect the energy that hits them

Emission of Electromagnetic Radiation

  • When an electron has moved up an energy level, it will be unstable
  • Eventually, it will move back down to its original energy level, which will be closer to the nucleus
  • As it moves back down, It emits a wave of electromagnetic radiation

Emission of EM, downloadable IGCSE & GCSE Physics revision notes

The electron emits a wave of electromagnetic radiation and moves down an energy level

  • All of the colours in the visible spectrum are produced in this way
  • The light waves come from electrons moving down energy levels and emitting electromagnetic radiation

Exam Tip

Whilst you are expected to know about energy levels and the absorption and emission of electromagnetic waves, you are not expected to know about the number of electrons in each energy level or the way in which they fill up – that’s all part of Chemistry.

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Ashika

Author: Ashika

Ashika graduated with a first-class Physics degree from Manchester University and, having worked as a software engineer, focused on Physics education, creating engaging content to help students across all levels. Now an experienced GCSE and A Level Physics and Maths tutor, Ashika helps to grow and improve our Physics resources.