An electron collides with an isolated atom and raises an orbiting electron to a higher energy level - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 9 - 2019 - Paper 1

To determine the correct statement about the interaction between an electron and an isolated atom, we analyze each option:

A. The colliding electron is captured by the nucleus of the atom.

• This statement is incorrect. Electrons typically do not get captured by the nucleus; they must overcome significant energy barriers.

B. A photon is emitted when the electron rises to the higher energy level.

• This statement is also incorrect. A photon is emitted when the electron returns to the ground state, not when it rises.

C. An electron is emitted when the excited electron returns to the ground state.

• This statement is incorrect as well. When the excited electron returns to the ground state, it emits a photon rather than emitting another electron.

D. Energy is transferred from the colliding electron to the orbiting electron.

• This statement is correct. The collision transfers energy from the colliding electron, allowing the orbiting electron to move to a higher energy level.

Given this analysis, the correct statement is D.