# When electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by a material, the energy carried by the radiation is transferred to the material. Explain what happens to the atoms or molecules in the material when this energy is absorbed, and describe one consequence of this energy transfer.

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

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. The atoms or molecules gain energy (when radiation is absorbed)
2. The atoms or molecules vibrate more / move faster / are raised to a higher energy state
3. This causes the temperature of the material to increase / the material heats up
4. The material may then emit radiation / re-emit energy as a different type of electromagnetic radiation (e.g. infrared)

## Key terms

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

## 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)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/when-electromagnetic-radiation-is-absorbed-by-679f3d57) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.