Ground state is the lowest energy state of an atom or molecule. It is the most stable condition where electrons occupy the closest possible orbitals to the nucleus.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
In the ground state, all electrons are in their lowest energy levels.
The ground state of an atom is crucial for determining its spectral lines when it absorbs or emits radiation.
An atom can absorb a photon and move to an excited state from the ground state.
When an electron drops back to the ground state from a higher energy level, it emits a photon corresponding to the energy difference between the levels.
Understanding the ground state helps in analyzing and predicting atomic spectra.
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Related terms
Excited State: An energy level higher than the ground state where electrons have more energy.