Question

what must occur for an atom to enter the excited state?
the atom needs to release energy.
the atom needs to absorb energy.
light must be released.
atoms cannot enter the excited state.

Explanation:

An atom enters an excited state when it absorbs energy, which causes its electrons to move to higher - energy orbitals. Releasing energy or light corresponds to an atom returning to a lower - energy state. Atoms can indeed enter an excited state.

Answer:

The atom needs to absorb energy.