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Which wavelengths/colors of visible light power photosynthesis?

User Doguita
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Final answer:

The wavelengths of visible light that power photosynthesis are mainly in the blue (450nm) and red (670nm) regions of the spectrum. These are within the range of photosynthetically active radiation (400nm to 700nm) that the plant pigments can absorb for photosynthesis. Other wavelengths like x-rays (10nm) and infrared (800nm) are not absorbed by plant pigments for photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The wavelengths/colors of visible light that power photosynthesis are predominantly in the blue and red regions of the spectrum. Plants containing chlorophyll absorb wavelengths in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm, which is called photosynthetically active radiation. Among the wavelengths provided in the question, 450nm (blue light) and 670nm (red light) are absorbed by the plants for photosynthesis. Blue light, with shorter wavelengths, carries more energy compared to longer wavelengths like red light which carry less energy. However, both are essential for the photosynthesis process. In contrast, wavelengths such as 10nm (x-rays) and 800nm (infrared light) are not useful for photosynthesis as they are outside the absorbable spectrum for plant pigments. X-rays can damage the molecules, and infrared light does not have enough energy to be effectively used in the photosynthetic process.

User Brian Dolan
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