When an electron in the ground state absorbs energy from a light source, it undergoes a transition to a higher energy state. This process is known as electronic excitation.
The energy of a photon (a particle of light) is directly related to its frequency or color. When a photon with the right amount of energy interacts with an atom or molecule, it can be absorbed by an electron, causing the electron to move to a higher energy level or shell.
Once the electron is in the excited state, it is in an unstable configuration. The excited electron will eventually return to its ground state by releasing the absorbed energy. This energy is typically emitted as a photon, which can be detected as light of a specific color or frequency.
The emission of the absorbed energy can occur through various processes, including fluorescence, phosphorescence, or non-radiative relaxation. The specific mechanism depends on the nature of the atom or molecule and the circumstances of the excitation.
In summary, when an electron in the ground state absorbs energy from a light source, it transitions to a higher energy state. It will subsequently release the absorbed energy, often as light, and return to its original ground state.