Which of the following depicts how different wavelengths of light are absorbed by a pigment?

The absorption spectrum is the correct choice because it specifically illustrates the wavelengths of light that a pigment absorbs when exposed to a range of light. Each pigment has a unique absorption spectrum based on its molecular structure, which determines which wavelengths of light it can absorb and which it will reflect or transmit.

In the context of photosynthesis, for example, chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light, while reflecting green, which is why plants appear green. The absorption spectrum provides crucial insights into how effective a pigment is in capturing light energy for processes such as photosynthesis.

Other spectra mentioned serve different purposes: the emission spectrum shows the wavelengths of light emitted by a substance when it is energized; the transmittance spectrum illustrates how much light passes through a substance at various wavelengths; and the reflectance spectrum indicates how much light is reflected by a surface. Each of these focuses on different interactions between light and materials, but none specifically outline the absorption capabilities of pigments like the absorption spectrum does.