Light may transfer its energy to matter rather than being reflected or transmitted by matter. This is called absorption . When light is absorbed, the added energy increases the temperature of matter. If you get into a car that has been sitting in the sun all day, the seats and other parts of the car’s interior may be almost too hot to touch, especially if they are black or very dark in color. That’s because dark colors absorb most of the sunlight that strikes them.
Heather and Jen are running a marathon together. The weather is sunny and perfect for a day of running outside. Heather dresses for the marathon in a light-colored shirt and shorts. Jen dresses in a black t-shirt and black shorts.
Who is more likely to stay cooler during the marathon, Heather or Jen?