Physics, Techniques and ProceduresGround state
state in which systems described by the
quantum theory are found most of the time. The ground state of a quantum mechanical system is the state with the least
potential energy. In an atom it is the state in which all the lowest electronic energy levels are occupied (
hydrogen H ). Higher states can be occupied by furnishing energy in the form, for example, of thermal-, kinetic- or radiation energy.
GvS