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Multiple Choice
Which color(s) of visible light are most strongly absorbed by chlorophyll molecules during photosynthesis?
A
Orange
B
Red and blue
C
Green
D
Yellow
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis: Chlorophyll is the primary pigment in plants that absorbs light energy to drive the process of photosynthesis. It absorbs specific wavelengths of light most effectively.
Review the visible light spectrum: Visible light consists of different colors, each corresponding to a specific wavelength range. These colors include violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, and red.
Identify the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll: Chlorophyll molecules, particularly chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b, absorb light most strongly in the blue (around 430–450 nm) and red (around 640–680 nm) regions of the spectrum. They reflect green light, which is why plants appear green.
Eliminate colors that are not strongly absorbed: Green light is reflected rather than absorbed, and yellow and orange light are absorbed less effectively compared to blue and red light.
Conclude that the colors most strongly absorbed by chlorophyll molecules are red and blue, as these wavelengths provide the energy needed for photosynthesis.