What happens when a wave is absorbed by a material
When a wave is absorbed by a material, the energy of the wave is converted into the internal energy of the material. The way in which a material absorbs a wave depends on the nature of the wave and the properties of the material.
For example, when an electromagnetic wave such as light or radio wave is absorbed by a material, it can cause the electrons in the material to oscillate or vibrate. This vibration results in the conversion of the energy of the wave into thermal energy, increasing the temperature of the material.
Similarly, when a sound wave is absorbed by a material, the wave causes the particles of the material to vibrate. This vibration leads to the transfer of energy from the wave to the particles, causing the material to heat up.
In both cases, the absorption of the wave results in the dissipation of the wave's energy and its conversion into heat. The extent to which a material can absorb a wave depends on various factors such as the composition, density, and structure of the material, as well as the frequency and intensity of the wave.