The absorption spectrum of a plant shows what wavelengths of light the plant absorbs.The absorption spectrum depends on _____.
A)the wavelengths of light that hit the plant
B)the wavelengths of light that are transmitted by the plant
C)the wavelengths of light to which the plant's pigments respond
D)the surface area of the plant's leaves

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absorption spectrum depends on the wavelengths of light to which the plant's pigments respond. Different pigments in the plant, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, have different absorption spectra which determine which wavelengths of light the plant can absorb for photosynthesis. The wavelengths that are absorbed are used to power the plant's metabolic processes, while the wavelengths that are not absorbed are reflected or transmitted, giving the plant its characteristic color.

The Absorption Spectrum of a Plant Shows What Wavelengths of Light