activated state


ex·cit·ed state

the condition of an atom or molecule after absorbing energy, which may be the result of exposure to light, electricity, elevated temperature, or a chemical reaction; such activation may be a necessary prelude to a chemical reaction or to the emission of light. Synonym(s): activated state

activated state

A state in which chemical reactants are at their highest energy level, which is related to the potential energy in high-energy phosphates.