Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Inorganic Photochemistry

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Inorganic Photochemistry 1. Excitation vs. Ionization Excitation refers to the process of an electron absorbing energy and moving to a higher energy level, while ionization involves the complete removal of an electron from an atom or molecule. Remember, excitation is about energy levels, while ionization is about electron removal. 2. Fluorescence vs. Phosphorescence Both fluorescence and phosphorescence are light emission processes after excitation, but they differ in duration. Fluorescence is brief, lasting only while the excitation source is present, while phosphorescence persists even after the excitation ceases. Think of fluorescence as 'instant' and phosphorescence as 'long-lasting'. 3. Absorption vs. Transmission When light encounters a material, absorption occurs when the light energy is absorbed by the material, while transmission refers to the light passing through the material. Absorption results in energy transfer, while transmission allows light to continue its path. 4. Quantum Yield vs. Quantum Efficiency Quantum yield and quantum efficiency both relate to the number of desired events (e.g., emission) per absorbed photon, but they differ in their calculations. Quantum yield is the ratio of desired events to absorbed photons, while quantum efficiency considers all possible events. Quantum yield is a subset of quantum efficiency. 5. Ground State vs. Excited State