Light Absorption

When light travels, we know that it can bounce (reflect) or bend (refract) off of objects, but do you think it can do anything else? Let’s watch this video to find outthis

Light Absorption  When light is absorbed it does not pass through or reflect from a material. It remains in the material as another form of energy.  Remember how we studied materials that reflect light? Some materials (like mirrors) reflect most of the light. Some materials (like your shoes) reflect some light. The light that is not reflected is absorbed.  Your notebook is reflecting some of the light, but it is also absorbing light too. Copy down the words in the pale orange.

Absorption Example  To think about reflection, think about your skin on a hot, hot summer day. You see can see your skin, so you know that some of the light is being reflected.  If you feel your skin on a hot day, your skin will feel warm (especially if you have a sunburn!). Some of the light is literally being absorbed into your skin.  In your notebooks, sum up this absorption example or think of your own.

Color Absorption When light strikes an object, what colors are really striking the object? Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet

What is really happening: All of the colors are striking the banana, and the red, orange, green, blue, indigo, and violet colors are being absorbed into the banana. The yellow color is reflecting.

Color Absorption  Objects get their color from the visible spectrum. The color of the object is reflected while the other colors are absorbed.  All other colors of light striking the object are absorbed by the object.  A red apple, for example, reflects red colors of light and absorbs all other colors.

Sketch one of these examples or your own in your notebook. Some examples: