Use a diagram to explain the relationship between the absorption of light energy and electron energy levels within an atom. Describe the three possible fates of an electron after it has jumped to a higher energy state.

When an electron absorbs light energy and moves from a lower energy level (ground state) to a higher energy level (excited state) within an atom, it can do one of three things: 1. Return to its ground: state by emitting a less energetic photon (fluorescence) or by releasing energy as heat. 2. Return to its ground: state by transferring its energy to a nearby electron in a neighboring pigment molecule. 3. Move to another molecule.