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Chapter 7: Problem 13

Explain what is meant by the term “excited state” as it applies to an electron. Is an electron in an excited state higher or lower in energy than an electron in the ground state? Is an electron in an excited state more or less stable than an electron in the ground state?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The term "excited state" refers to an electron occupying a higher energy level than its ground state, which is the lowest possible energy level. An electron in an excited state has higher energy and is less stable than an electron in the ground state. The electron absorbs energy to move to a higher orbital and tends to lose this extra energy and return to the ground state through relaxation or emission of light or other electromagnetic radiation. The ground state is the most stable energy state for an electron.

Step by step solution

01

Definition of Excited State

The excited state of an electron refers to a state where the electron occupies an energy level higher than its lowest possible energy level, which is called the ground state. In this state, the electron has absorbed energy and moved to a higher orbital.
02

Energy Comparison between Excited State and Ground State

An electron in an excited state has higher energy than an electron in the ground state. This is because the electron has absorbed extra energy to move to a higher energy level or orbital.
03

Stability of Excited State and Ground State Electrons

An electron in an excited state is less stable than an electron in the ground state. In the excited state, the electron is farther from the nucleus, and it tends to move back to the ground state by losing the extra energy in the form of light or other electromagnetic radiation. This process is called relaxation or emission. The ground state is the most stable energy state for an electron, where it is attracted by the positive charge of the nucleus and is in its lowest possible energy level.

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