What is of an atom and how common it is?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the existence of the ground state of atoms and molecules on Earth, particularly in relation to thermal energy and excitation levels. Participants explore concepts related to atomic states, thermal energy, and molecular behavior.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether ground states of atoms exist on Earth or if all atoms and molecules are in an excited state due to surrounding energy.
  • Another participant asserts that most atoms and molecules are in the ground state, noting that excited states require energy levels significantly higher than typical thermal energy levels.
  • A participant inquires about the stability of thermal energy levels, asking if they can be worked with or if they merely fluctuate between the ground state and excited states due to absorbed thermal energy.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on the concept of stability in thermal energy levels, mentioning that molecular rotations and other states can change quickly in a medium.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion contains differing viewpoints regarding the existence and stability of ground and excited states, with no consensus reached on these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions of thermal energy levels and their stability, as well as the implications of molecular behavior in various states.

00152
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Does a ground state of atom actually exist on our planet or every atom or molecule is just somehow excited because of all the energy flying around?
 
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Most atoms and molecules are in the ground state, as the exited levels are usually of the order of ~1 electron volt away, which is much higher than usual thermal energy levels (~1/40 electron volt).
 
and are the thermal energy levels stable? can you work with them or is the state just vibrating between ground state and state evoked by absorbed thermal energy?
 
What do you mean by "are the thermal energy levels stable"?
Rotations in molecules and other stuff are often exited and change their state quickly in a medium.
 

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