How do energy levels change when atoms collide?

Question

Chemistry

Camille Banks

6 December, 06:54

How do energy levels change when atoms collide?

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Sam Barr · Answer 1

Depends.

If you're in normal chem, I think your answer will be that energy levels don't change.

If you're in AP chem, see below:

If the collisions are completely elastic collisions, like in ideal gases, energy level does not change.

However, if the atoms have IMF's (intermolecular forces) then kinetic energy is lost.