Final answer:
The principal quantum number defines the energy level in an atom, with higher values corresponding to higher energy levels. An excited atom is one that does not have all its electrons in their lowest energy states. Protons in the nucleus stabilize electron orbitals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quantum number for the energy associated with one of the energy levels in an atom is called the principal quantum number or the n value. The principal quantum number defines the location of the energy level or shell, with higher n values corresponding to higher energy levels. An atom that does not have all of its electrons in their lowest energy levels is called an excited atom. The energy level refers to a specific level or amount of energy possessed by an atom.
For example, an electron in the ground state is in the lowest energy level (n = 1) and has the least amount of energy. On the other hand, an electron in an excited state is in a higher energy level (n > 1).
The positively charged protons in the nucleus stabilize the electronic orbitals by electrostatic attraction.