How do Atoms Release Colored Light. (Where does this color come from?)

When an electron in an atom gains a specific amount of energy, the electron is at a higher energy state (excited state).

​

​Excited State

To absorb means "to take in" When an atom is heated, the electron ABSORBS the energy and moves to a higher energy level (This is the excited state)

​

When is energy absorbed?

NOTES

When an electron returns from a higher energy state to a lower energy state, a specific amount of energy is emitted. This emitted energy can be used to identify an element.

​

A Release of Energy

To EMIT means "release"

Energy is emitted or released when an electron moves from a higher lenergy level to a lower energy level

​

How energy is emitted?

NOTES

Energy "absorbed" - move from low to high
Energy "released" or "emitted" = move from high to low

Ground state vs excited state electrom configuration

Ground state Electron configurations are found on the periodic table

Excited State Electron Configuration
2-8-7-3

How can you tell if the configuration is ground or excited state?

Replace this with a header

1. Add up total # of electrons in the configuration

2. Determine the element by its atomic number
   a. If it matches ethe lement configuration on periodic table, this is Ground state
   b. If it doesnot match the element on the periodic table, it it excited state.

Identify the electron configuration as being ground state or excited state: 2-6-1

Example