Which of the following is an incorrect statement about how light interacts with matter?

• A. When light interacts with matter, it always causes the matter to emit light of the same wavelength.
• B. Light can be transmitted through a material without any interaction with its atoms or molecules.
• C. Reflection of light occurs when photons bounce off the surface of a material.
• D. Absorption of light by matter can cause electrons to move to higher energy levels.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the nature of light-matter interaction. Light can interact with matter in several ways, including transmission, reflection, absorption, and emission.
2. Step 2: Analyze the statement 'Light can be transmitted through a material without any interaction with its atoms or molecules.' Transmission means light passes through, and in some cases, it can do so with minimal interaction, such as in transparent materials.
3. Step 3: Consider the statement 'Reflection of light occurs when photons bounce off the surface of a material.' Reflection is indeed the process where photons change direction upon hitting a surface, so this statement is correct.
4. Step 4: Evaluate 'Absorption of light by matter can cause electrons to move to higher energy levels.' This is a fundamental concept where absorbed photons provide energy to electrons, promoting them to excited states, so this is correct.
5. Step 5: Examine the statement 'When light interacts with matter, it always causes the matter to emit light of the same wavelength.' This is incorrect because emission can occur at different wavelengths or not at all, depending on the material and the type of interaction.