When a photon meets a molecule, which of the following cannot happen?
A) The photon may be scattered or reflected.
B) The photon may excite an electron in the molecule to a shell farther from the nucleus.
C) The photon may be transmitted.
D) The photon may be absorbed.
E) The photon may lower the ground state of the absorbing molecule.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The photon cannot lower the ground state of the absorbing molecule. When a photon is absorbed, it provides energy to the molecule, which can cause an electron to jump to a higher energy level (excitation) or the molecule to undergo a chemical reaction. The ground state of the molecule is the lowest possible energy level, so the photon cannot lower it.

When a Photon Meets a Molecule, Which of the Following