Carotenoids are yellow, orange, and red pigments synthesized by plants. The obse

Question

Carotenoids are yellow, orange, and red pigments synthesized by plants. The observed color of an object is not the color of light it absorbs but rather the complementary color, as described by a color wheel such as the one shown here. On this wheel, complementary colors are across from each other.

Part A:

Based on this wheel, what color is absorbed most strongly if a plant is orange? Blue Light.

Part B:

If a particular carotenoid absorbs photons at 453nm, what is the energy of the photon?

Express your answer with the appropriate units.

Explanation / Answer

(A) Complementary color of orange = blue light


(B) Wavelength = 453 nm = 453 x 10^(-9) m


Photon energy = hc/wavelength

= 6.626 x 10^(-34) x 2.998 x 10^8/453 x 10^(-9)

= 4.385 x 10^(-19) J = 4.39 x 10^(-19) J

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