What effect does light have when it is absorbed by a surface?

When light is absorbed by a surface, one of the primary effects is that it may heat the surface. This occurs because the energy carried by the light photons is transferred to the molecules of the absorbing material, increasing their kinetic energy and resulting in a rise in temperature. The extent of heating depends on various factors, including the properties of the surface and the intensity of the light.

In contrast, scattering, reflection, and changes in direction involve different interactions. Scattering occurs when light bounces off small particles or irregularities within or on the surface, which can lead to light being redirected in various directions. Reflection involves light bouncing back off the surface rather than being absorbed, while changing the direction of light typically relates to how light interacts with transparent materials, such as lenses or prisms, rather than a direct absorption process. Thus, the context of what happens when light is absorbed focuses specifically on the increase in thermal energy in the surface material.