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Excited State

What is Excited State?

An excited state is an energy state of an atom or molecule that is higher than its lowest possible (ground) state energy. Electrons can be promoted to excited states by absorbing energy in the form of light, heat, or electrical discharge. When electrons return to lower energy levels, they release energy as photons, producing characteristic emission spectra. Excited states are central to spectroscopy and photochemistry.

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Term Excited State

Frequently Asked Questions

An excited state is an energy state of an atom or molecule that is higher than its lowest possible (ground) state energy. Electrons can be promoted to excited states by absorbing energy in the form of light, heat, or electrical discharge. When electrons return to lower energy levels, they release energy as photons, producing characteristic emission spectra. Excited states are central to spectroscopy and photochemistry.

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