Final answer:
If the butterfly's wings contain fluorescent materials, they might glow when exposed to ultraviolet light, as fluorescence involves absorbing light at one wavelength and emitting it at another. The type of light matters, as UV light could reveal patterns and colors not visible to the na k ed eye.
Step-by-step explanation:
Can light cause a butterfly's wings to glow? It depends on the properties of the substance that makes up the butterfly's wings. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, some materials can fluoresce, meaning they absorb the light and then emit it at a different wavelength. This is different from simple reflection or transmission of light. In the case of the butterfly wings that Alika finds, they absorb UV light, transmit red light, and reflect green light. If these wings contain substances capable of fluorescence, they might glow when subjected to UV light.
The type of light Alika shines on the butterfly does matter. In the absence of UV light, the wings may not demonstrate fluorescent properties, but with appropriate UV light, fluorescence might cause them to glow. Additionally, the perceived color of the wings can change depending on the light viewed. For example, as some birds and butterflies have vision extending into the ultraviolet range, they can see different patterns and colors that are not visible to the human eye.