What occurs when an atom is excited by energy?

When an atom is excited by energy, it means that an electron within the atom absorbs energy, which allows it to move from a lower energy level to a higher energy level. This process occurs because the energy provided to the atom can come from various sources, such as heat, light, or electrical energy.

Once the electron is in this excited state, it will eventually return to its original, lower energy level. As it does so, the atom releases energy in the form of light. The specific wavelengths of light emitted correspond to the difference in energy between the two levels and are unique to that particular atom. This is why different elements emit different colors of light when they are excited, leading to the observation of characteristic colors associated with each element. This principle is a fundamental aspect of atomic spectra and is used in applications like flame tests and spectroscopy to identify elements in various samples.