Fotóabszorpció

Fotóabszorpció is the process by which a substance takes in light energy. This phenomenon is fundamental to many natural and technological processes, including vision, photosynthesis, and solar energy conversion. When a photon, the quantum of light, strikes an atom or molecule, its energy can be transferred to an electron within the substance. This energy transfer causes the electron to move to a higher energy level, a process known as excitation. The specific wavelength of light absorbed depends on the electronic structure of the absorbing material. Different materials have unique absorption spectra, meaning they absorb certain wavelengths more readily than others. This selective absorption is what gives objects their color; the color we perceive is the light that is *not* absorbed but is reflected or transmitted. In photosynthesis, plants absorb specific wavelengths of visible light to drive the conversion of carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. In solar cells, photovoltaic materials absorb photons to generate an electric current. The efficiency of fotóabszorpció is a critical factor in the performance of these applications. Understanding and manipulating fotóabszorpció is a key area of research in physics, chemistry, and materials science.