Which change occurs when an atom in excited state returns to ground state? 1 energy is emitted 2energy is absorbed 3 the number of electrons decreases 4 the number of electrons increases

The correct option is this: ENERGY IS EMITTED.

An atom, which is in an excited state is an atom that has moved away from the ground level as a result of gaining energy. This type of atom has more energy compare to those in the ground state and it is also unstable. To return to the ground state, the atom has to emit the energy which it gained in the first instance. Thus, when an excited atom returns to the ground state, energy is always emitted.