Absorption

  • When light is absorbed by an object or medium, its energy excites electrons, causing them to vibrate more vigorously and collide with other atoms, which in turn produces heat.
  • Materials selectively absorb photons whose frequencies match their frequencies.
  • Absorption of light occurs when the frequency of the wave matches the frequency of electrons orbiting atomic nuclei in a material.
  • Reflected light bounces off a surface at the same wavelength with little or no change in energy.