Absorption

When light strikes an object, some wavelengths are absorbed and their energy is converted to heat, others undergo reflection or transmission.

  • When light is absorbed by an object or medium, its energy excites electrons, which emit heat.
  • Absorption of a particular wavelength of light by a material occurs when the frequency of the wave matches the resonant frequency of electrons orbiting atomic nuclei in the material.
  • Electrons selectively absorb photons whose frequencies match their resonant frequencies.
  • Resonant frequency refers to the frequency at which electrons are most efficiently excited by absorbed light, leading to the emission of heat.
  • As electrons absorb energy from photons, they vibrate more vigorously, leading to collisions between atoms and the production of heat.
  • When light is reflected from a surface, it bounces off at the same wavelength with little or no change in energy.
  • When light is absorbed by an object or medium, its energy excites electrons, causing them to vibrate more vigorously and to collide with other atoms, which in turn produces heat.
  • Materials selectively absorb photons whose frequencies match their own 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.