What happens in chemicals that makes them photosensitive? Like I know that chemicals get affected by temperature, and their molecules start moving faster, so is photosensitivity basically similar that when light particles come in, something happens? If so, what exactly happens?
In: Chemistry
Electrons orbit atoms and molecules. Quantum mechanics tells us these orbits can only be at certain energy levels, like rungs on a ladder. The differences between energy levels determine what types of light particles (photons) can be absorbed by the electrons. When a photon with the right amount of energy hits an electron it “kicks” it up to a higher step on the energy ladder. This energy is now stored in the electron’s orbit and can be used to do work, like converting carbon dioxide and water into sugar.
Photosensitive pigments have electron arrangements that accept photons down into the visible light range, while most atoms and molecules do not. In general if you get to a high enough energy band, like X-rays, the photons will be strong enough to affect any electron arrangement.
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