why do most leaves appear green

Most leaves appear green because they contain a pigment called chlorophyll, which absorbs light most efficiently in the red and blue parts of the spectrum but reflects green light. The green light is not absorbed, so it is reflected back to our eyes, making the leaves look green. Chlorophyll plays a vital role in photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy. While chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light for energy, it reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green to us. In addition to chlorophyll a, leaves also contain chlorophyll b and other pigments that contribute to varying shades of green. Chlorophyll b absorbs more blue light and transfers energy to chlorophyll a for photosynthesis. Other accessory pigments, like carotenoids (orange/yellow) and anthocyanins (red/purple), become visible when chlorophyll breaks down in autumn, causing leaves to change color. Green light also penetrates deeper into the leaf tissue, helping to distribute light for photosynthesis more evenly within the leaf, though some of it escapes and is reflected, enhancing the green appearance. This efficient light absorption and reflection system is why most leaves appear green.