1. the fraction of incident electromagnetic radiation that is absorbed by a material
Usage: physics; technical

Examples

• The solar panel’s absorptance determines how much sunlight it can convert to energy.
• Scientists measured the absorptance of different materials at various wavelengths.
• High absorptance in the infrared range makes this coating ideal for thermal applications.
• The absorptance value ranges from 0 for perfect reflection to 1 for complete absorption.
• Engineers tested the absorptance properties of the new heat-absorbing material.
• The black surface had an absorptance of 0.95, meaning it absorbed 95% of incident light.