What is the primary consequence of light being absorbed by a material?

When light is absorbed by a material, the primary consequence is heat generation. This process occurs because the energy from the absorbed light is transformed into thermal energy, raising the temperature of the material. For instance, when you expose dark-colored surfaces to sunlight, they tend to become warmer than lighter-colored surfaces due to their ability to absorb more light and thus generate more heat.

This mechanism is fundamental in various applications, such as in solar panels, where absorbed light energy is converted to heat and subsequently used to generate electricity. Additionally, understanding this concept is crucial in optics and materials science, as it influences the design and selection of materials for different optical applications, including lenses and coatings. The other listed options do not directly relate to the primary outcome of light absorption.