The light wave could be ______ by the object, in which case its energy is converted to heat. Occurs when light hits the color black.

The light wave could be ______ by the object, in which case its energy is converted to heat. Occurs when light hits the color black.

• A. Transmitted
• B. Absorbed
• C. Reflected
• D. Scattered

Answer: (B)

When light meets matter, it can be absorbed, transmitted, reflected, or scattered. Absorption means the light’s energy is taken in by the material and often becomes heat in the object. A black object looks black because it absorbs most colors of light rather than reflecting them; the absorbed energy warms the surface a bit. If light were transmitted, it would pass through the object; if it were reflected, it would bounce off the surface; if it were scattered, it would spread in many directions. In those cases, the energy isn’t primarily turned into heat in the object the same way as absorption.

When light meets matter, it can be absorbed, transmitted, reflected, or scattered. Absorption means the light’s energy is taken in by the material and often becomes heat in the object. A black object looks black because it absorbs most colors of light rather than reflecting them; the absorbed energy warms the surface a bit. If light were transmitted, it would pass through the object; if it were reflected, it would bounce off the surface; if it were scattered, it would spread in many directions. In those cases, the energy isn’t primarily turned into heat in the object the same way as absorption.