What occurs to an atom when it absorbs sufficient energy?

When an atom absorbs sufficient energy, it can promote one of its electrons from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. This process is known as excitation.

In more detail, electrons occupy specific energy levels, and when an atom receives energy—such as from heat, light, or electric fields—the energy can be absorbed by the electrons. If the absorbed energy exceeds the energy difference between their current level and a higher level, the electron will jump to that higher level, becoming excited. This state is temporary, and the electron may eventually return to its original energy level, often releasing energy in the form of light or heat during the transition back down.

The other choices describe scenarios that do not occur as a direct result of an atom absorbing significant energy. For instance, falling to a lower energy level occurs when an electron releases energy rather than absorbs it. Remaining in the current level implies that no energy transfer is taking place, which contradicts the premise of the atom absorbing energy. Lastly, leaking energy as heat does not directly describe the behavior of electrons when energy is absorbed; such a process may occur later as the atom returns to a lower energy state.

Thus, the movement of an electron to a higher energy level accurately reflects the immediate consequence of