Why is chlorophyll green?
a. It absorbs all wavelengths in the visible spectrum.
b. It absorbs wavelengths only in the red portions of the spectrum (680–700 nm).
c. It absorbs wavelengths only in the blue part of the visible spectrum (450–480 nm).
d. It absorbs wavelengths in only the blue and red parts of the visible spectrum.

Verified step by step guidance

Understand that chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis by absorbing light.

Recognize that the color of a pigment is determined by the wavelengths of light it absorbs and reflects. Chlorophyll appears green because it reflects green light.

Identify the wavelengths of light absorbed by chlorophyll. Chlorophyll primarily absorbs light in the blue (450–480 nm) and red (680–700 nm) parts of the visible spectrum.

Since chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light, it does not absorb green light, which is why it appears green to our eyes.

Conclude that the correct answer is option d, as chlorophyll absorbs wavelengths in only the blue and red parts of the visible spectrum, reflecting green light.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is a pigment found in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that plays a crucial role in photosynthesis. It absorbs light primarily in the blue (450–480 nm) and red (680–700 nm) parts of the visible spectrum, which is essential for converting light energy into chemical energy. The green color of chlorophyll is due to its inability to absorb green wavelengths, which are reflected instead.

Visible Spectrum

The visible spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible to the human eye, ranging from approximately 380 nm to 750 nm. It includes all the colors perceived by humans, from violet to red. Understanding which wavelengths chlorophyll absorbs helps explain why it appears green, as it reflects the green wavelengths while absorbing others.

Light Absorption and Reflection

Light absorption occurs when a substance takes in light energy, while reflection is when light bounces off a surface. Chlorophyll absorbs light in the blue and red regions of the spectrum, which is used in photosynthesis, and reflects green light, making plants appear green. This selective absorption and reflection are key to understanding the color of chlorophyll.

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