What's the difference between excited and unexcited hydrogen?
The difference between excited and unexcited hydrogen lies in the energy level of its electrons. Let me explain how hydrogen atoms and their electrons work.
Hydrogen atoms consist of a nucleus that contains a single proton and an electron that orbits around the nucleus. The electron can exist in specific energy states or levels, which are represented by different electron shells or orbitals.
When a hydrogen atom is in its ground state, also known as the unexcited state, its electron occupies the lowest available energy level or orbital. In this state, the electron is close to the nucleus and has the least amount of energy.
However, when energy is applied to the hydrogen atom, the electron can absorb this energy and move to a higher energy level or orbital. This transition is called excitation, and the hydrogen atom is then referred to as an excited state.
The excited hydrogen atom is unstable in this state, and the electron will eventually release the absorbed energy and return to its original, lower energy level. As it does so, it emits this excess energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation, or light. This emission of light is often observed as specific colors or wavelengths, which produce distinct spectral lines in the hydrogen spectrum.
The emission spectrum of hydrogen is widely studied and has played a significant role in advancing our understanding of atomic structure and quantum mechanics.
So, to summarize, the main difference between excited and unexcited hydrogen is the energy level of the electron. In the unexcited state, the electron is in its lowest energy level, while in the excited state, the electron has absorbed energy and occupies a higher energy level temporarily.