Research conducted on what happens when atoms get excited has helped in the identification of the atoms in the universe. What happens when atoms get excited?

Question

Atoms change into a particular shape.
Atoms lose subatomic particles.
Atoms produce a particular odor.
Atoms release a particular color of light.

Answer 1

When atoms get excited, they release a particular color of light. This occurs when electrons within the atom absorb energy and move to higher energy levels, or excited states. When these electrons return to their original energy levels, they release energy in the form of light, which can be observed as specific colors (or wavelengths) of light. This phenomenon is fundamental in identifying the composition of elements in the universe, as different atoms emit characteristic spectra of light.