atomic energy levels are like a gear lever

Categories: Comparisons

An example of a teaching analogy:

"Energy Levels are like a Stick Shift

According to the Bohr Model, electrons can only exist in particular energy levels around the nucleus. This is like a stick shift on an automobile … it only works when it is in 1st gear, 2nd gear, etc., – and not at any in between position."

Previously posted at scienceanalogies.com by retired science teacher Murray Hart.

Read about analogy in science

Read examples of scientific analogies

Many examples of science analogies are listed in 'Creative comparisons: Making science familiar through language. An illustrative catalogue of figurative comparisons and analogies for science concepts'. Free Download.

Author: Keith

Former school and college science teacher, teacher educator, research supervisor, and research methods lecturer. Emeritus Professor of Science Education at the University of Cambridge.