Photons of light can be absorbed by an atom of an element ____.
A) if they match one of several possible wavelengths that are absorbed by that element
B) if they match one of several possible wavelengths that are absorbed by all elements
C) if they match the only particular wavelength that can be absorbed by that element
D) if they match the only particular wavelength that can be absorbed by all elements
E) no matter what wavelength they have

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Photons are absorbed by an atom when their energy matches the energy difference between two energy levels in the atom. Different elements have unique sets of energy levels, leading to unique sets of wavelengths they can absorb.

Photons of Light Can Be Absorbed by an Atom of an Element