👉 Light, composed of photons, interacts with matter through various processes, primarily absorption and emission. When light particles (photons) encounter atoms or molecules, they can be absorbed if their energy matches the energy difference between the ground state and an excited state of the particle. This absorption excites electrons to higher energy levels. Conversely, when excited electrons return to their ground state, they release energy in the form of photons, a process known as emission. These interactions are fundamental to phenomena like photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy, and the vibrant colors we see in nature, such as the glow of a neon sign or the bioluminescence of certain organisms. Light's ability to both absorb and emit energy underpins its role in various physical, chemical, and biological processes, making it an essential component of our universe.