Chromophore

The chromophore is the part of a molecule that produces its colour.

  • Things appear to have colour because they absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflect others.
  • When wavelengths of light within the visible spectrum enter the human eye, the observer perceives this as colour.
  • The chromophore is the part of a molecule where there is an energy difference between two different molecular orbitals.
  • A molecular orbital refers to the position and wave-like behaviour of an electron as it moves around an atom’s nucleus.
  • If the energy difference of a chromophore falls within the range of the visible spectrum (2 to 2.75 electron volts) then it will produce colour.
  • The colour produced by a surface or object corresponds with wavelengths of light that are not absorbed during their interaction with the chromophore.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromophore

  • The chromophore is the part of a molecule that produces its colour.
  • Things appear to have colour because they absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflect others.
  • When wavelengths of light within the visible spectrum enter the human eye, the observer perceives this as colour.
  • The chromophore is the part of a molecule where there is an energy difference between two different molecular orbitals.
  • A molecular orbital refers to the position and wave-like behaviour of an electron as it moves around an atom’s nucleus.
  • If the energy difference of a chromophore falls within the range of the visible spectrum (2 to 2.75 electron volts) then it will produce colour.
  • The colour produced by a surface or object corresponds with wavelengths of light that are not absorbed during their interaction with the chromophore.