Question

what happens when chlorophyll and other pigments absorb light

Answer 1

chlorophyll and other accessory pigments absorb certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. This gives them their color. Now light is simply a form of energy so when these pigments absorb energy they often give it out in another way. In the case of Chlorophyll, it absorbs light (except green light) and then transfers the light energy to an electron, giving it the kinetic energy it needs to jump from protein to protein in the Electron transport chain of photosynthesis.