Final answer:
Chlorophyll in plants absorbs specific wavelengths of visible light to excite electrons and initiate photosynthesis. The wavelengths of light that excite electrons in chlorophyll are primarily in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, known as photosynthetically active radiation. Wavelengths outside this range, such as x-rays and infrared light, do not excite electrons in chlorophyll.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorophyll in plants absorbs specific wavelengths of visible light to excite electrons and initiate photosynthesis. The wavelengths of light that excite electrons in chlorophyll are primarily in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, which is known as photosynthetically active radiation. These wavelengths include red and blue light, which have higher energy levels to raise orbital electrons to an excited state. On the other hand, wavelengths of light outside this range do not excite electrons in chlorophyll, such as x-rays (10 nm) and infrared light (800 nm).