The Example of Chlorophyll

The Example of Chlorophyll



The absorption spectra for chlorophyll is shown below. White light is shined through a solution containing chlorophyll. The light that was absorbed appears as black patches in the spectrum.



We can see that the major absorption occurs between 640 and 680 nm (red light). Consulting our table of complementary colors we find that the complementary color is green-blue. Considering this, it should be of no surprise that leaves look green.