How do light waves transfer energy when they interact with matter?

http://wnmu.pbslearningmedia.org/search/?q=Electromagnetic+Spectrum&selected_facets=

Review

Light energy in the form of EM waves travels to the Earth and warms it

Earth is made up of many different materials. How do the different materials that make up the Earth affect the absorption of light waves and the heating of the Earth?

• Last week we observed how different materials absorb, reflect and transmit light.

• Many materials absorb light from the sun which can be understood through observing changes in the temperature of the material.

Today’s goal: Explain how light waves

interact with matter, especially Earth materials, and how light energy from the sun heats the Earth.

How do Earth materials, sand, pebbles, soil and water interact with light?

Pages 26-28 in your journal