Energy levels
What Energy levels means in Physics A-Level, as defined for AQA, OCR.
Definitions of Energy levels
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Energy levels in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
In an isolated gas atom, electrons can occupy only certain allowed levels, each with a definite energy.
Levels within an atom to which an electron moves when it gains a specific amount of energy.
Topics that use Energy levels
- Collisions of electrons with atoms (AQA A-Level)
- Electromagnetic radiation from stars (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Black-body modelling of stars
- Continuous spectrum
- Discrete energy levels
- Electron volt
- Emission line spectrum
- Energy unit conversion
- Estimation of stellar surface temperature
- Fluorescent tube
Using Energy levels in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Physics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge