Question

An atom in an excited state contains more of what type of energy than the same atom in the ground state?

A) mass-energy
B) kinetic energy
C) thermal energy
D) gravitational potential energy
E) electric potential energy

Answer 1

An atom in an excited state contains more electric potential energy than the same atom in the ground state. Therefore, the correct answer is E) electric potential energy.

Answer 2

An atom in an excited state has more potential energy than in its ground state due to electrons absorbing energy and moving to higher energy levels.

Step-by-step explanation:

An atom in an excited state contains more potential energy than the same atom in the ground state. This higher energy level is a result of the electron absorbing energy and moving to a higher energy orbit, making the atom less stable. The excited state of the atom has more energy because its electrons have absorbed energy to move to a higher energy level, but this state is temporary. When the electron returns to the ground state, it emits a photon, thereby releasing the previously absorbed energy.