What happens to an atom when it absorbs energy?

When an atom absorbs energy the electrons orbiting that atom move into a higher energy orbit. In this way the energy is stored until it is later released causing the electrons to return to a lower energy orbit. read more

defined as one twelfth of the mass of carbon atom containing six protons and six neutrons. read more

The electrons of an atom are able to absorb particles of light called "photons" from outside sources of light energy, such as lamps, bulbs and lasers. The photons whose quantum energies equal the gap between the ground and excited state are the only ones that will be absorbed by the electron. read more