Final answer:
When light heats up an object, it can be due to absorption, reflection, or transmission.
Step-by-step explanation:
When light heats up an object, it means that the light wave transfers its energy to the object. This transfer can occur through different processes such as absorption, reflection, transmission, and redirection.
Absorption happens when the object takes in the light energy, converting it into thermal energy, which causes the object to heat up. For example, when black surfaces absorb all wavelengths of light, they appear hot.
Reflection occurs when the light wave bounces off the surface of the object without being absorbed. The object does not gain any energy from the light, causing minimal heating.
Transmission happens when light passes through the object without being absorbed or reflected. In this case, the object does not heat up significantly.
Redirection involves light changing direction when it encounters an object. This process does not contribute to heating the object.
Learn more about Light heating objects