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Which color in white light is most effectively absorbed by plant leaves?

  1. Red

  2. Green

  3. Yellow

  4. Blue

The correct answer is: Blue

In the process of photosynthesis, plant leaves primarily absorb certain wavelengths of light that are crucial for converting light energy into chemical energy. Among the options, blue light is most effectively absorbed by chlorophyll, the pigment present in plant leaves responsible for the green color and absorption of light. Plants utilize blue light effectively because it contains a higher energy level compared to other wavelengths, and this energy is conducive to driving the reactions in photosynthesis. Blue light deeply penetrates leaves, aiding in the photosynthetic process, and is essential for plant growth and development. While red light is also absorbed effectively by chlorophyll, it is not as efficiently utilized as blue light in the context of the photosynthetic process. Green light is mostly reflected rather than absorbed, which is why plants appear green to us. Yellow light is relatively less effective in driving photosynthesis as well, since it falls within the range that is less absorbed compared to both blue and red light.