Key Idea.
Section 1
Absorption is Energy Capture
Light can travel through empty space, but for it to affect an object, an interaction called absorption must happen.
Absorption is the process where the material "captures" the light. During this interaction, the light wave effectively stops traveling, and its energy is transferred entirely into the material. The material now holds the energy that was once in the light.
Section 2
Absorption Causes Alteration
The consequence of absorption is a change in the material. Once the energy is trapped inside, it must do something. The most common result is an increase in thermal energy, which is why objects feel warm in the sun.
However, absorption can also cause more permanent changes. In the case of skin cancer, the absorbed energy disrupts the internal structure of the cell. This confirms that the damage is a direct result of the skin absorbing solar energy.
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Section 1
Absorption is Energy Capture
Light can travel through empty space, but for it to affect an object, an interaction called absorption must happen.
Absorption is the process where the material "captures" the light. During this interaction, the light wave effectively stops traveling, and its energy is transferred entirely into the material. The material now holds the energy that was once in the light.
Section 2
Absorption Causes Alteration
The consequence of absorption is a change in the material. Once the energy is trapped inside, it must do something. The most common result is an increase in thermal energy, which is why objects feel warm in the sun.
However, absorption can also cause more permanent changes. In the case of skin cancer, the absorbed energy disrupts the internal structure of the cell. This confirms that the damage is a direct result of the skin absorbing solar energy.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter