Absorbs
Definition
When an atom absorbs something, it takes it in and incorporates it into its structure or internal state.
Analogy
Think of absorbing as eating food. Just like when you eat food, your body takes in nutrients to use for various processes, when an atom absorbs something, it takes in energy from that substance.
Related terms
Excitation: When an atom gains energy and moves to a higher energy level due to absorption of a photon or collision with another particle.
Emission: When an excited atom releases excess energy by emitting photons or other forms of electromagnetic radiation.
Ground State: The lowest possible energy state of an atom where electrons occupy their lowest available orbital positions.
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