Author Question: In the context of excited atoms, briefly explain ground state. What will be an ideal ... (Read 71 times)

arivle123 · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

In the context of excited atoms, briefly explain ground state.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Briefly explain the dynamo effect.

What will be an ideal response?

kusterl · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Atoms cannot exist in an excited state forever. The excited atom is unstable and must eventually (usually within 10-9to 10-6seconds) give up the energy it has absorbed and return its electron to a lower energy level. The lowest energy level an electron can occupy is called the ground state.

Answer to Question 2

The Sun's magnetic field appears to be powered by the energy flowing outward in the form of moving currents of gas. The gas is highly ionized, so it is a very good conductor of electricity. When an electrical conductor rotates rapidly and is stirred by convection, it can convert some of the energy flowing outward as convection into a magnetic field. This process is called the dynamo effect, and it is believed to operate also in the liquid metal of Earth's core to produce Earth's magnetic field.