Excited nuclear states

Excited nuclear states occur when atomic nuclei absorb energy and transition to a higher energy level. In this state, the nucleus has more energy than its stable form, which can happen through various processes, such as radiation or particle collisions. These excited states are typically short-lived, as the nucleus eventually releases the excess energy, often in the form of gamma rays, and returns to a lower, more stable state. Understanding these states is important in fields like nuclear physics and medicine, as they play a crucial role in processes such as radioactivity and imaging techniques.