Final answer:
A colored particle that absorbs light wavelengths is known as a pigment. It is crucial for photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from light, with chlorophyll and carotenoids being key examples.
Step-by-step explanation:
A colored particle that absorbs light wavelengths is known as a pigment molecule. Pigment molecules, such as chlorophyll and carotenoids, are crucial in the process of photosynthesis, allowing plants to absorb energy from light. These pigments can absorb light in specific wavelengths – chlorophyll, for example, absorbs mostly in the blue and red wavelengths and less in the green, which is why plants appear green. Carotenoids absorb blue light and reflect yellow, red, and orange light.