# Explain what happens to electromagnetic radiation when it is absorbed by a surface, and why some surfaces are better at absorbing radiation than others.

> Eduqas GCSE Physics — 6.2 Interactions of electromagnetic radiation with matter · Explain · 4 marks

> Dark, matt surfaces and light, shiny surfaces behave differently when electromagnetic radiation falls on them.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. When electromagnetic radiation is absorbed, its energy is transferred to the surface/material
2. This causes the temperature of the surface/material to increase (the surface warms up / heats up)
3. Dark, matt surfaces absorb more radiation (than light/shiny surfaces)
4. Light, shiny surfaces reflect more radiation, so less is absorbed

## Key terms

- [absorbed](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/absorbed)
- [electromagnetic radiation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/electromagnetic-radiation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Physics](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-what-happens-to-electromagnetic-radiation-9880ec87) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.