University of Central Florida (UCF) BSC2010C Biology I Practice Exam 1

The correct answer states that electrons in the outer shells have more potential energy than those in inner shells due to their positions relative to the nucleus of an atom. This difference in potential energy arises from the electrostatic forces between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged nucleus.

Electrons located in inner shells are closer to the nucleus, where they experience a stronger attraction to the positive charge of the protons. This attraction requires less energy for the electrons to remain in these lower energy states. Conversely, electrons that occupy outer shells are further away from the nucleus and experience a weaker attractive force. As a result, these outer-shell electrons have higher potential energy because they are less tightly bound to the nucleus and require more energy to remove them from the atom.

The potential energy is a critical factor in chemical reactions and the behavior of atoms, influencing how they bond with other atoms. Thus, understanding the relationship between an electron's location and its potential energy is fundamental in the study of atomic structure and chemical properties.