What's the difference between emission and absorption?

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SUMMARY

The discussion clarifies the distinction between emission and absorption in the context of light and color. Absorption occurs when an object absorbs all wavelengths of light except for one, which is reflected, resulting in the perception of color. Emission, on the other hand, involves the release of energy in the form of light, as seen in fluorescent materials that emit visible light when exposed to high-frequency radiation, such as ultraviolet light from black lights. This phenomenon illustrates the principles outlined in Bohr's model of atomic structure.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Bohr's model of atomic structure
  • Basic knowledge of light wavelengths and frequencies
  • Familiarity with concepts of absorption and reflection of light
  • Knowledge of fluorescence and its applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of fluorescence and its applications in materials science
  • Explore the relationship between light frequency and energy levels in atoms
  • Study the effects of different wavelengths on color perception
  • Investigate practical applications of black lights in various fields
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, educators teaching light and color concepts, and anyone interested in the principles of fluorescence and its applications in real-world scenarios.

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My textbook says "absorption yields color. emission yields fluorescence" - can someone explain what that means exactly.

I know color is when something absorbs all wavelengths except one, which gets reflected and produces color.

If it helps... the chapter is on bohr's model.
 
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Sounds like you've got a good handle on absorption already.

For emission, think about how black-light posters work (or anything with fluorescent paint put under a black-light). The original light is at such a high frequency (small wavelength) that one can't see it (or just barely see it), and for practical purposes you can consider it to be a single wavelength. Yet the bright paint is easily visible, at easily visible wavelengths. So there has to be something more than absorption going on. :wink:
 

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