What is the meaning of an asterisk beside an atom or molecule?
A) It means the atom or molecule is degenerate.
B) It means the atom or molecule is very reactive.
C) It means the atom or molecule is in a low energy state.
D) It means the atom or molecule has collided with another atom or molecule.
E) It means the atom or molecule is in an excited state.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

An asterisk beside an atom or molecule indicates that it is in an excited state. Excited atoms or molecules have increased energy levels and are more reactive than their ground state counterparts. This designation is often used in spectroscopy to denote excited states of atoms or molecules.

What Is the Meaning of an Asterisk Beside an Atom