Dark colors absorb more heat because they absorb a larger portion of the incoming light spectrum. When light strikes an object, it can be either absorbed, transmitted, or reflected. The color of an object is determined by the wavelengths of light that it absorbs and reflects. Dark colors, such as black, brown, or dark blue, tend to absorb more light across a broader range of wavelengths.
Light is a form of energy, and when it is absorbed by an object, it is converted into heat. Dark-colored surfaces absorb more light energy, which leads to an increase in the object’s temperature. Light-colored or reflective surfaces, on the other hand, tend to reflect more light and absorb less, so they stay cooler.
This principle is often applied practically in everyday situations, such as in choosing the color of clothing to wear on a hot day. Light-colored clothing reflects more sunlight, helping to keep the body cooler, while dark-colored clothing absorbs more sunlight and can become much warmer. Similarly, the color of roofs and buildings can affect their temperature, with dark surfaces absorbing more heat and contributing to higher temperatures inside.
