Question

which of the following best explains what happens as photons of visible light are absorbed by dye molecules? a certain electrons in the dye molecule move to a higher energy level, with the difference in energy between the lower and higher energy levels being the same as the energy of the absorbed photons. b certain chemical bonds in the dye molecules begin to bend and stretch, with the difference in energy between the lower and higher vibrational states being the same as the energy of the absorbed photons. c the dye molecules begin to rotate faster in certain modes, with the difference in energy between the lower and higher rotational states being the same as the energy of the absorbed photons. d certain covalent bonds in the dye molecules begin to break and re - form, with the bond energies of the bonds being the same as the energy of the absorbed photons.

Explanation:

When photons of visible light are absorbed by dye molecules, electrons in the dye molecules can be excited to higher - energy levels. The energy of the absorbed photon is equal to the energy difference between the lower and higher energy levels of the electrons. Chemical bond bending/stretching (option B) is related to infrared absorption, molecular rotation (option C) is also more related to lower - energy radiation like microwaves, and bond breaking and reforming (option D) usually requires much higher - energy photons like ultraviolet light.

Answer:

A. Certain electrons in the dye molecule move to a higher energy level, with the difference in energy between the lower and higher energy levels being the same as the energy of the absorbed photons.