Final answer:
Light-colored plastic surfaces can degrade irreversibly when exposed to higher temperatures and soot, leading to permanent changes such as warping and discoloration due to the absorption of more solar radiation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Lighter plastic surfaces subjected to higher temperatures and soot have potential to degrade irreversibly. When the albedo of these surfaces is decreased due to the accumulation of soot, they absorb more solar radiation, resulting in higher temperatures. This can lead to structural and chemical changes in the plastic, such as warping or discoloration, which are often permanent. Equally, in industrial processes, the decrease in gas solubilities at higher temperatures leads to the formation of deposits on surfaces, similar to scale in kettles. Thus, the accumulation of soot can significantly alter the properties and appearance of light-colored plastic surfaces over time.