Question

What is the difference between fluorescence and phosphorescence?

a) Fluorescence is instantaneous; phosphorescence is delayed emission.

b) Fluorescence occurs in gases; phosphorescence occurs in solids.

c) Both terms refer to the same phenomenon.

d) Phosphorescence is instantaneous; fluorescence is delayed emission.

Answer 1

Phosphorescence is the phenomenon in which a material continues to emit light after the excitation source has been removed, while fluorescence is the process in which a material almost instantly emits lower-energy photons. Phosphorescence takes longer due to the time required for excited electrons to transition back to their ground state.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phosphorescence is the phenomenon in which a material continues to emit light after the excitation source has been removed. This delayed emission occurs because the excited electrons in the material require more time to transition back to their ground state. On the other hand, fluorescence is the process in which a material absorbs high-energy photons and almost instantly emits lower-energy photons. Fluorescence and phosphorescence differ in their emission times, with fluorescence being instantaneous and phosphorescence being delayed.