Basic quantum mechanics requires that molecules absorb energy as quanta (photons) based upon a criteria specific for each molecular structure
Absorption of a photon raises the molecule from ground state to an excited state
Total energy is the sum of all components (electronic, vibrational, rotational, translations, spin orientation energies) (vibrational energies are quite small)
The structure of the molecule dictates the likely-hood of absorption of energy to raise the energy state to an excited one
This slide focuses on the property of light relating to absorption. This slide should be covered in detail since absorption is key to flow cytometry. Students with engineering backgrounds will probably need a review on absorption.
