An excited state and an ionized state refer to different conditions of an atom or a group of atoms:
Excited State: An excited state of an atom or a group of atoms occurs when one or more electrons within the system have absorbed energy and moved to a higher energy level or orbital than their ground state (the lowest energy level). This energy can be supplied through various means, such as absorbing photons of specific wavelengths or undergoing collisions with other particles. The excited state is temporary, as the electron(s) will eventually return to their original energy level, releasing the absorbed energy in the process. This emission of energy may occur as light (photons) or heat.
Ionized State: Ionization refers to the process of removing one or more electrons from an atom or a group of atoms, resulting in the formation of charged particles called ions. When an atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes electrically charged because the number of positively charged protons in the nucleus is no longer balanced by an equal number of negatively charged electrons. An atom that has lost one or more electrons becomes positively charged and is called a cation. Conversely, an atom that has gained one or more electrons becomes negatively charged and is called an anion. Ionization can occur through processes such as collisions with energetic particles, exposure to high temperatures, or interaction with electromagnetic radiation.
In summary, an excited state refers to a temporary state where electrons have absorbed energy and moved to higher energy levels within an atom or group of atoms. On the other hand, an ionized state refers to the condition where an atom or group of atoms has gained or lost electrons, resulting in the formation of charged particles called ions.