A(n) ______ is a material that takes in a wave when the wave hits it.

A(n) ______ is a material that takes in a wave when the wave hits it.

• A. transmitter
• B. converter
• C. absorber
• D. reflector

Answer: (C)

Absorption is when a wave’s energy is taken in by a material rather than being reflected or transmitted. An absorber is a material designed to do exactly that: it takes in the incoming wave energy and often converts it to heat within the material. This is why absorber is the best fit for a material that takes in a wave when it hits it. A transmitter would imply the material emits or passes waves onward; a reflector would bounce waves away; a converter isn’t the standard term for this interaction. In practice, think of acoustical foam absorbing sound or a dark surface absorbing light and turning it into heat.

Absorption is when a wave’s energy is taken in by a material rather than being reflected or transmitted. An absorber is a material designed to do exactly that: it takes in the incoming wave energy and often converts it to heat within the material. This is why absorber is the best fit for a material that takes in a wave when it hits it. A transmitter would imply the material emits or passes waves onward; a reflector would bounce waves away; a converter isn’t the standard term for this interaction. In practice, think of acoustical foam absorbing sound or a dark surface absorbing light and turning it into heat.