Energy level

A quantum mechanic system can only be in certain states, so that only certain energy levels are possible. The term energy level is most commonly used in reference to the electron configuration in atoms or molecules. In other words, the energy spectrum can be quantized (see continuous spectrum for the more general case).

Related Topics:
Quantum mechanic - Electron configuration - Atom - Molecule - Quantized - Continuous spectrum

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As with classical potentials, the potential energy is usually set to zero at infinity, leading to a negative potential energy for bound electron states.

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Energy levels are said to be degenerated, if the same energy level is obtained by more than one quantum mechanical state. They are then called degenerate energy levels.

Related Topics:
State - Degenerate energy level

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The following sections of this article gives an overview over the most important factors that determine the energy levels of atoms and molecules.

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