Light Absorption

Light absorption occurs when photons, the smallest units of light, encounter a material and transfer their energy to it. This process can cause molecules or atoms within the material to become excited, often resulting in changes like heating, color change, or chemical reactions. Essentially, the material "takes in" the light energy, reducing the amount of light that passes through or reflects off. Different materials absorb different wavelengths of light based on their properties, which is why objects have distinct colors and why some substances are used in solar panels or filters.