An excited state is a higher energy state of an atom or molecule compared to its ground state, achieved when it absorbs energy. This state is typically unstable, leading the atom or molecule to release energy as it returns to a lower energy state, often emitting light in the process.

Excited State

excited state

higher energy state

The ground state of a quantum system is its lowest energy state, where the system is in its most stable configuration. Understanding the ground state is crucial for predicting the behavior of atoms and molecules, as it determines the baseline from which all excited states and quantum transitions are measured.

ground state

absorbs energy

Unstable state

release energy

lower energy state

emitting light

Formation and Properties of Charge-Transfer Complexes

Quantum Mechanics of Electron States

Relevant Degrees

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