Excitation refers to the process by which an atom, molecule, or particle gains additional energy, often resulting in a transition from a lower energy state to a higher one. In physics and chemistry, excitation can occur through various means, such as absorbing photons, collisions with other particles, or exposure to external energy sources like heat or electricity. When an atom or molecule absorbs energy, its electrons may move to higher energy levels or become more energetic, leading to an excited state. This excited state is often transient, and the excited particles tend to return to their original, lower-energy state by emitting energy, such as light or heat, in a process called de-excitation. Excitation plays a crucial role in many scientific fields, including quantum mechanics, spectroscopy, and the understanding of atomic and molecular behavior.
