Matter (object) and light energy transfer?

Question

I'm just curious but, if I shine a laser on a black object how does the laser transfer energy to the black object?and how does the black object absorb and emit energy back to the laser? Also, what is the energy transfer process called? Is it Radiation? Conduction? or Convection? Please no negative comments. Thank you.

Answer 1

"if I shine a laser on a black object how does the laser transfer energy to the black object?"



The black object absorbs photons from the laser's light stream.



"how does the black object absorb and emit energy back to the laser?"



It absorbs by (usually) electrons being boosted into higher orbitals within the "black paint" molecules. It remits light when those electrons fall back into ground state.



"Also, what is the energy transfer process called? Is it Radiation? Conduction? or Convection?"



Radiation is energy transfer by photon exchange. That is what you have asked about.



Conduction would occur if you had the laser right against the black surface, and heat conducted directly between the two materials



Convection would occur if recirculating currents of air or water carried heat from the laser to the black surface.