About Molecules and Light
Turn light source on to explore. Observe what happens in the observation window as you set up different combinations of light source and molecule. Note this simulation is the first to support our pan and zoom feature, so zoom in for a closer look, if you need to.
How to play Molecules and Light
Everything is hands-on: drag, click and experiment — the simulation reacts instantly. Turn light source on to explore.
Questions & answers
- What is Molecules and Light?
- Molecules and Light is a free interactive simulation from PhET Interactive Simulations (University of Colorado Boulder) that you can play right in your browser on crumble.lol — no downloads and no sign-up. Turn light source on to explore. Observe what happens in the observation window as you set up different combinations of light source and molecule.
- What can kids learn from Molecules and Light?
- It helps kids explore: explore how light interacts with molecules in our atmosphere identify that absorption of light depends on the molecule and the type of light relate the energy of the light to the resulting motion identify that energy increases from microwave to ultraviolet predict the motion of a molecule based on the type of light it absorbs identify how the structure of a molecule affects how it interacts with light.
- What age is Molecules and Light good for?
- It is designed for middle school (roughly ages 10–14) up to university, and curious kids outside that range can absolutely enjoy poking around it too.
- Is Molecules and Light free to play?
- Yes — Molecules and Light is completely free on crumble.lol and runs fully in your browser on computers and tablets.