Question

question 1 of 10
what happens when an atom has more electrons than can fit in one energy level?

a. the extra electrons begin to fill the next energy level.

b. the extra electrons are lost, forming ions.

c. the extra electrons pair up in the orbitals within the sublevel.

d. the extra electrons start to fill higher sublevels in the energy level.

Explanation:

Electrons fill energy levels (shells) in an atom following the Aufbau principle. Each energy level has a maximum number of electrons it can hold. When one energy level is filled (reaches its electron capacity), additional electrons will occupy the next available energy level (shell) with the lowest possible energy. Option A aligns with this electron - filling rule. Option B is incorrect because electrons aren't simply lost to form ions in this context (ion formation is related to gaining or losing electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, not just because an energy level is full). Option C is about electron pairing within orbitals of a sublevel, which happens when a sublevel is being filled, not when an energy level is full. Option D is incorrect as electrons fill the next energy level (not higher sublevels within the same energy level) when the current energy level is full.

Answer:

A. The extra electrons begin to fill the next energy level.