Question: How does the quantum theory work? What causes the electrons jump to different to different packets of energy?

Susan Skelton answered on 16 Nov 2013:

Hi delaram!

Quantum physics is what we use to describe the smallest things in the world, where things work a bit differently to how we might expect!
Quantum physics says that a small object (such as an electron) can not have any amount of energy we want – it can only have certain specific amounts, which come in packets.

We can understand this better if we think of an electron climbing a ladder. As the electron climbs further up the ladder, it gets more and more energy. Let’s suppose our electron has long legs – he can climb up one, two or even three steps at a time. But he cannot climb up half a step – there would be no rung to stand on, so he would fall down to the rung below.

The rungs of the ladder are the energy levels of the electron. We can give our electron some extra energy (using light or heat, for example) and he’ll bound up a few steps; but if he loses some energy, (if he sends out some light energy) he’ll come down to a lower step.

We can even give our electron so much energy that he reaches the top of the ladder and flies away!

I hope this answers your question? Let me know if you want to know anything else!