Absorption is the property of an Earth substance or
atmospheric gas which absorbs the Sun’s radiation. Reflection is when certain materials or
gasses contain properties which reflect the Sun’s radiation, and transmission is the ability of a
substance or gas to pass the Sun’s radiation through it. Most materials and gasses possess some
of each of these qualities. A healthy green leaf, for example, will absorb the blue and red
wavelengths of the Sun’s radiation, while reflecting the green wavelengths which are detected by
our eyes.