<P> If an atom , ion , or molecule is at the lowest possible energy level , it and its electrons are said to be in the ground state . If it is at a higher energy level , it is said to be excited , or any electrons that have higher energy than the ground state are excited . If more than one quantum mechanical state is at the same energy , the energy levels are `` degenerate '' . They are then called degenerate energy levels . </P>
<P> If an atom , ion , or molecule is at the lowest possible energy level , it and its electrons are said to be in the ground state . If it is at a higher energy level , it is said to be excited , or any electrons that have higher energy than the ground state are excited . If more than one quantum mechanical state is at the same energy , the energy levels are `` degenerate '' . They are then called degenerate energy levels . </P>
the lowest possible energy level for an electron is known as
the lowest possible energy level for an electron is known as
ground state
ground state