Absorption of light occurs when the frequency of the wave matches the frequency of electrons orbiting atomic nuclei in a material.
- 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.
- Reflected light bounces off a surface at the same wavelength with little or no change in energy.