Foundation Level (Fail → Pass)

Simple prompts to build basic understanding.

1. Define an energy level in an atom.

2. What happens when an electron absorbs energy?

3. What happens when an electron releases energy?

4. Explain what is meant by ground state.

5. Define excited state.

6. What is an emission spectrum?

7. What is an absorption spectrum?

8. Identify which series (Lyman, Balmer, Paschen) lies in the visible range.

9. Describe what a spectral line represents.

10. Explain why electrons cannot exist between energy levels.

 Intermediate Level (Pass → Credit)

Prompts requiring explanation, comparison, and basic calculations.

1. Explain why emission spectra are unique to each element.

2. Describe the difference between the Balmer and Lyman series.

3. Use E = hν to calculate the energy of a photon.

4. Explain what causes the coloured lines in a hydrogen emission spectrum.

5. Describe how an absorption spectrum is formed.

6. Explain why a large energy drop results in a high-frequency photon.

7. Draw an energy level diagram showing an electron transition that emits a photon.

8. Describe the difference between continuous and line spectra.

9. Use the Rydberg equation to calculate wavelength for a given transition.

10. Explain how electron transitions provide evidence for quantised energy levels.

Advanced Level (Credit → Distinction)

Analytical, multi-step reasoning prompts.

1. Analyse how the hydrogen spectrum supports the Bohr model.

2. Explain why only certain electron transitions are allowed.

3. Derive the relationship between energy difference and wavelength.

4. Discuss the limitations of the Bohr model for multi-electron atoms.

5. Explain how spectroscopy is used to identify elements in distant stars.

6. Compare the causes of emission and absorption lines in terms of electron transitions.

7. Evaluate how quantum mechanics improved upon the Bohr model.

8. Explain how the spacing between energy levels changes as n increases.

9. Predict the colour of light emitted when an electron falls from n=5 to n=2.

10. Discuss how energy level transitions relate to the concept of ionisation energy.