Spectra and the Bohr Model An electron is hit with a photon that does not have enough energy to cause a full energy level change. What happens in the atom? The electron releases an extra photon and goes into the nucleus, causing an explosion. The electron keeps the same amount of energy and doesn't move. The electron still absorbs the light and jumps higher anyway. Back Reload Home Profile Menu

When an electron is hit with a photon that lacks sufficient energy to cause a full energy level change, it simply keeps the same amount of energy and remains in its original orbit. That's right! The photon doesn't get absorbed, and the electron doesn't get excited to a higher energy level. Instead, it carries on with its usual business, like a cat ignoring a laser pointer. In terms of real-world application, this principle is crucial for understanding how lasers work or why we observe certain colors in light. For instance, if you shine light with energies that don't match the required energy level changes, you won't see any electron transitions—hence no laser activity! It's all about the right energy match for the electron dance party!