When we talk about how light (or photons) affects electrons jumping between energy levels, we’re really looking at how light interacts with atoms. Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

1. Energy Levels: Think of electrons like kids on a playground. They can only be on certain swings (energy levels) around the center of the atom, which is like the playground itself. Each swing represents a different energy spot.

2. Absorption and Emission: When an electron catches a photon, which is just a tiny piece of light, it can get a boost of energy. This energy helps the electron jump from a lower swing to a higher one. This is called absorption.

3. Photon Energy: The amount of energy from the photon needs to be just right to help the electron jump. You can think of it like needing the proper size of a push to go from one swing to another. Scientists have a formula to describe this, which says: $E = hf$ Here, $E$ stands for the energy of the photon, $h$ is a number called Planck's constant, and $f$ is the frequency of the light.

4. Returning to Ground State: When the electron decides to slide back down to a lower swing, it releases a photon. This photon can produce light that we sometimes see as different colors.

In short, photons are like little energy messengers that help electrons move between different levels. This helps us learn about atoms and how they give off light. It’s amazing how these tiny particles do such important work in the world of science!