Absorbing Light: What Determines Reflected vs Absorbed Photons?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the factors that determine whether photons are reflected or absorbed by substances, emphasizing the role of chemical structure. Specific atoms absorb certain light frequencies due to their electron configurations, while larger molecules exhibit unique vibrational modes that can absorb specific frequency ranges. The interaction between light and matter is fundamentally linked to the molecular composition, with distinct parts of organic molecules contributing to their color properties.

PREREQUISITES
  • Chemical structure and bonding
  • Photon absorption and reflection principles
  • Vibrational modes of molecules
  • Basic understanding of light frequencies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between electron configurations and light absorption
  • Explore vibrational spectroscopy techniques for analyzing molecular structures
  • Study the principles of color theory in chemistry
  • Investigate the role of organic molecules in color perception
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Chemists, materials scientists, educators, and anyone interested in the interaction of light with matter and the science of color.

Matrixman13
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I understand that what we perceive as color is really just certain frequencies of light that are reflected by objects. But what determines what frequencies are absorbed and which ones are reflected.
 
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The chemical structure of the substance. Some atoms directly absorb certain frequencies of light, because their electron structures provide a transition with matching energy. Larger molecules have specific modes of vibration or rotation that can absorb frequencies or ranges of frequencies. Indeed, specific parts of large organic molecules are responsible for specific kinds of coloring.

Here's a good website to get you started:

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2002/price/colour.htm

- Warren
 

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