Fluorescence Works Because the Fluorescent Molecule

Question

Fluorescence works because the fluorescent molecule
A) absorbs light at one wavelength and emits light at a longer wavelength.
B) absorbs light at one wavelength and emits light at a shorter wavelength.
C) absorbs light at one wavelength and emits light at the same wavelength.
D) absorbs light at many wavelengths and emits light at many wavelengths.

Accepted Answer

Fluorescence occurs when a molecule absorbs light at one wavelength and then emits light at a longer wavelength. This happens because the absorbed energy is partially lost before the photon is emitted, resulting in a photon of lower energy and thus a longer wavelength.