What does absorption refer to in the context of light?

Absorption in the context of light refers to the process where light energy is taken in by a material rather than being reflected or transmitted. When an object absorbs light, it effectively captures the energy of the light waves, which may then convert that energy into other forms, such as heat. This process is essential in various applications, including solar energy capture and understanding color; for instance, a black object appears black because it absorbs all wavelengths of visible light and reflects none.

In this context, the correct choice clearly defines the concept of absorption as it indicates that all light is absorbed by that material, highlighting the totality of the absorption process. The other options describe different interactions of light with materials but do not relate directly to the concept of absorption.