Exam-style question
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What is the primary effect of an electron collision that does not have enough energy to ionise the atom?.
- A.The atom remains unchanged
- B.The atom is excited to a higher energy level
- C.The atom is ionised
- D.The electron is absorbed
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The atom is excited to a higher energy level
Explanation
Why this works
If the energy transferred during an electron collision is insufficient for ionisation, the atom can still absorb the energy, resulting in excitation to a higher energy level without losing the electron.
Common mistake
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