Kinetic energy of an electron decreases with the increase of distance of its orbit from the nucleus. But the total energy increases. Explain why. PLEASE DO NOT GIVE ANY LINKS Dear Expert, what is why is it said No??? It is already said in the question that the K.E. decreases in going from a inner shell to outer shell. But it was asked that why the total energy increases? So please answer that question. Share with your friends Share 0 Sandeep K. Gupta answered this Dear Student, Total energy of electron nth is given by the equationE=-13.6n2Z2 and Kinetic energy will be K=E=13.6n2Z2If value of n increses distance from the nucleous increses hence KE decreases but Total energy increases because total enegy is negative and for negative no's lower magnitude indicate higher value.(like ,-2 is greater than -5) Regards. 0 View Full Answer