Nitty-gritty of Light Reactions
Einstein called the discrete particles of light photons. Particles (photons) and waves are both currently accepted aspects of light. The quantum (energy) of photons is different depending on what kind of light they are in. Longer wavelength light has lower photon energies, while light with shorter wavelengths have higher photon energies. As mentioned earlier, every pigment color has a different distinctive pattern of light absorption—called the pigment’s absorption spectrum. The energy levels of some of the pigment’s electrons are raised when the pigment absorbs light. If energy is emitted immediately upon absorption, the effect is called fluorescence. The red part of light does this characteristically, as demonstrated when chlorophyll is placed in light it will appear red. If the absorbed energy is emitted as light after a delay, then the effect is called phosphorescence. The energy may be converted to heat or stored, as in photosynthesis within chemical bonds.