4. How to achieve a state of excitement

Now we ask what is a state of excitement. For me it is obvious when I am excited, and it is obvious for others too, but for an entire state, how can it become excited and how can you tell? If we turn to the atom we can draw a model of how a state of excitement might exist.




The Bohr model of the atom suggests that each electron orbits the nucleus (n) in a distinct radius (see image). Each radius can be exactly defined by its angular momentum and can be assigned a particular energy unique to each radius. An electron does not shed energy as long as it remains in a particular orbit. The lowest energy for an electron is the ground state, but electrons in states of energy (that is, in an orbit) higher than the ground state are said to be in a state of excitement. This requires absorption of energy; to return to the ground state enables release of energy (see image).












So for WA to exist in a state of excitement, it must be higher than the ground state and/or absorb energy to counter any energy loss from any potential step down in orbit.

In one sense, WA can be said to be in a higher state, according to statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). (AIHW). In 1998, 51% of the Western Australian population had used an illicit drug at some time in their lifetime. This was a substantial increase from 44% in 1995. One in every four (25%) persons in Western Australia had used an illicit substance in the previous 12 months. That is, there are a lot of people in WA in a higher state. However, since one of the most common reasons for taking drugs is cited as boredom, it is evident that this higher state is not inducing a state of excitement.

What other forms of energy are there that could elevate the state of existence? We will consider (1) movement of people, (2) movement of ideas (3) latent energy and ambition within individuals and groups and (4) latent energy and ambition within the place itself. Types 1 and 2 can be considerd kinetic energy, whereas types 3 and 4 are forms of potential energy.

We will next attempt to measure these energies within WA and Dullsville to determine wether they are capable of inducing a state of excitement.