Molecules in excited electronic states can return to the ground electronic state by emitting a photon through the processes of fluorescence and phosphorescence. Which of these processes is faster?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Fluorescence is faster than phosphorescence because it involves a direct transition between electronic states of the same spin multiplicity, while phosphorescence involves a change in spin state, which is a slower process.

Molecules in Excited Electronic States Can Return to the Ground