What happens during absorption of light?

During the absorption of light, the energy from the light waves is converted into heat within the object. This process occurs when the photons of light strike the material's atoms or molecules and excite them, raising their energy levels. Instead of being transmitted through or reflected off the surface, the energy from the absorbed light causes the particles in the material to vibrate more vigorously, which generates heat.

This phenomenon is prevalent in materials that absorb specific wavelengths of light, leading to an increase in temperature, which is why darker or more opaque materials often feel warmer in sunlight compared to lighter or more reflective materials. Ultimately, absorption transforms light energy into thermal energy, resulting in the material's temperature increase.