What occurs when energy is absorbed by a substance?

When energy is absorbed by a substance, it results in an increase in the energy state of the particles within that substance. This process is known as absorption, which occurs when energy, such as heat or light, is taken in rather than being reflected or transmitted. Absorbed energy can lead to changes in temperature, phase, or other properties of the material.

For instance, when sunlight hits a black surface, that surface absorbs the energy and warms up. Absorption is a crucial concept in various scientific fields, including physics, chemistry, and environmental science, as it explains how different materials interact with energy forms. In this context, absorption specifically highlights how substances engage with energy by incorporating it into their makeup, distinguishing it from other processes like reflection, where energy is bounced off the surface, or transmission, where energy passes through the substance.