Chromophore

A chromophore is like the color of your paint set that makes each color on your paper. Just like each color is made up of a different paint, each substance has its own chromophore that makes it look the way it does.

When light shines on a substance, the chromophore absorbs some of the light's energy and reflects other parts. This is what gives the substance its color. For example, a green leaf has a chromophore called chlorophyll that absorbs all the light except for green, which is reflected and gives the leaf its color.

Different substances have different chromophores, and this is what makes them look different. So, just like your paint set, a chromophore is the special ingredient that makes things look as they do.