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To leave a state and decay to a lower energy state, the electron must lose energy. In metastable states, there are no lower energy state to go to that have strongly allowed transitions (that is simple emission of a photon, diplole transititions) and so the electron must decay by slower, less probable means (like two photon decay, magnetic dipole decay). Hence, it stays in that state for longer.

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What does it mean to say that an atom is an exited state?

When an atom is in an excited state, it means that its electrons have absorbed energy and moved to higher energy levels. This can happen through processes like absorbing light or collisions with other particles. The electrons do not stay in this state indefinitely and eventually return to their original, lower energy levels by releasing the absorbed energy in the form of photons.


How long will an electron stay in the excited state?

The time an electron stays in an excited state can vary depending on the specific electron transition and energy level involved. In general, electrons can stay in an excited state for fractions of a second to several hours before returning to a lower energy level by emitting a photon of light.


What causes bonds to stay together?

Bonds between atoms stay together due to the attraction created by sharing or transferring of electrons. This attraction is due to electrostatic forces, where opposite charges (positive nuclei and negative electrons) attract each other. The stronger the bond, the closer the atoms are bound together.


If an atom has 19 protons and 20 neutrons how much electrons does it have?

It depends. From the given information about the number of protons, we can be sure that we are talking about potassium. The number of neutrons in this case won't matter. If the question emphasizes "atom" then we can be sure that the particle is neutral. Then we know that for the particle to be neutral, it has to have the same number of electrons as protons. However, potassium will not stay neutral for long if given a chance. It will lose an electron when bonding with others, to eventually have 18.


What causes the electrons to stay close to the nucleus of an atom?

Electrons stay close to the nucleus of an atom primarily due to the electromagnetic force, which is the attraction between the negatively charged electrons and the positively charged protons in the nucleus. This force creates a stable arrangement where electrons occupy specific energy levels or orbitals around the nucleus. Additionally, quantum mechanics dictates that electrons exhibit both particle and wave-like behavior, leading to a probability distribution that keeps them within certain regions around the nucleus.

Related Questions

What is the definition of Metastable state in laser?

In lasers, a metastable state is a state in which atoms or molecules are in an excited state with a longer-than-normal lifetime before emitting a photon and returning to a lower energy state. This allows for the accumulation of a population inversion necessary for laser action.


Can water stay liquid at subzero temperatures if you had enough pressure?

The sub zero liquid state is an achievable metastable state with an energy level between that of the gas and solid. Subzero water in this metastable state is said to be super-cooled. In the temperature range 0c to -40c the supercooling phenomenon is prevalent. Reference: See the related link below.


Does the shape of an ice cube help it stay in a solid state longer?

YES


Can your supervisor tell you to stay longer after alredy off?

Depends on your state, in some, mandatory overtime is legal.


When was Stay a Little Longer created?

Stay a Little Longer was created in 1946.


Do crocadile or fish stay longer under water?

a fish stay longer by muslimninja


How long is the term for a state treasurer?

Treasurers stay in office for 3 years, some stay longer, and shorter if they die


When was Make Me Stay a Bit Longer created?

Make Me Stay a Bit Longer was created in 1968.


If you stay up on meth does it stay in your system longer?

No.


What does it mean to say that an atom is an exited state?

When an atom is in an excited state, it means that its electrons have absorbed energy and moved to higher energy levels. This can happen through processes like absorbing light or collisions with other particles. The electrons do not stay in this state indefinitely and eventually return to their original, lower energy levels by releasing the absorbed energy in the form of photons.


How long will an electron stay in the excited state?

The time an electron stays in an excited state can vary depending on the specific electron transition and energy level involved. In general, electrons can stay in an excited state for fractions of a second to several hours before returning to a lower energy level by emitting a photon of light.


How do you make your dreams last longer?

sleep longer or try to stay asleep longer