Final answer:
An atom in an excited state, after receiving energy, eventually releases this energy as it returns to its ground state in the form of a photon.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an atom is in its ground state, it is at the lowest energy level possible. After receiving energy, the atom transitions to an excited state, which is a higher energy configuration. In this state, the atom does not remain stable for long and eventually releases that energy to return to the ground state. This release of energy occurs in the form of electromagnetic radiation, specifically a photon.
The correct answer to the question is: Imagine that an atom is currently in ground state. After receiving energy, the atom is now in an excited state. This is a(n) Excited, configuration, and so the atom releases that energy in the form of a wave.