The discussion centers on the interaction between light, an electromagnetic wave, and air molecules, specifically how light transfers energy and heats air. Light acts as a medium for radiative heat transfer, moving energy from hotter to cooler objects. When light is absorbed by matter, the energy from the wave is converted into heat, affecting the electrons in atoms due to their electrical charge. This process is fundamental to understanding thermal dynamics in various environments.
PREREQUISITESStudents of physics, educators teaching thermodynamics, and professionals in fields related to energy transfer and material science will benefit from this discussion.
Nugatory said:Light is an electromagnetic wave (google for that and you'll find some good stuff).
It interacts with matter because the electrons on the outside of atoms are electrically charged so are affected by changes in the electrical and magnetic fields around them (sort of the way that an object floating in water moves up and down when a wave comes by).
Generally if the light is absorbed by the matter (instead of being reflected, as with a mirror, or passing through unaffected, as with glass or clear air) the energy of the wave will end up as heat.