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The Absorption Spectrum

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An absorption spectrum is the specific pattern of wavelengths a pigment absorbs, measured with a spectrophotometer and unique to each pigment type.

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Chlorophyll a's absorption spectrum peaks in the blue and red wavelengths and dips sharply in the green, matching the color it reflects.

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An absorption spectrum identifies a pigment by its wavelength pattern, not by the pigment's visible color alone.