An electron in a hydrogen atom can move from the ground state to an excited state by absorbing energy. This energy can be supplied in various ways, such as through the absorption of a photon or through collisions with other particles. Here's a step-by-step explanation of the process:
Ground State: The ground state of a hydrogen atom is its lowest energy state, where the electron occupies the orbital closest to the nucleus. In this state, the electron is in its most stable configuration.
Absorption of Energy: To transition from the ground state to an excited state, the electron must absorb energy equal to the energy difference between the two states. This energy can be supplied in the form of a photon, which is a discrete packet of electromagnetic radiation.
Energy Level Diagram: The energy levels of the hydrogen atom are quantized, meaning they exist at specific discrete values. Each energy level corresponds to a specific orbital or electron configuration. The ground state is typically labeled as n=1, and the excited states are labeled as n=2, n=3, and so on, where n is the principal quantum number.
Promotion of Electron: When the hydrogen atom absorbs a photon with the precise energy corresponding to the energy difference between the ground state and an excited state, the electron absorbs the energy of the photon and moves to the higher energy level. This process is often described as the electron being "promoted" to the excited state.
Temporary Excitation: Once in the excited state, the electron is in a less stable configuration and will eventually return to a lower energy state.
Emission of Energy: The electron in the excited state can return to the ground state by releasing the absorbed energy. It does so by emitting a photon with energy equal to the energy difference between the excited state and the ground state. This emitted photon carries away the excess energy.
De-Excitation: The electron transitions back to a lower energy level, either directly to the ground state or through intermediate excited states, releasing the absorbed energy in the form of a photon.
This process of absorption and emission of energy by electrons in atoms is the basis for various phenomena, including the emission of light by excited atoms, as seen in neon signs or fireworks, and the absorption and emission spectra observed in spectroscopy.