Does a solid object itself actually “do anything” to reflect light?

Question

So does the solid object itself - in this instance a ball do anything? Like does the ball itself absorb and reflect, or is that really the atoms and molecules that make up the solid. (for example: atoms and molecules vibrate in a solid, but the solid object itself does not move or vibrate) so does the ball actually do anything? Also, does light damage the object? Does taking a photo or a video of an item damage it? Does allowing the reflection in the object in the mirror- can it cause any damage to the object itself? Does the object actually do the action?

Answer 1

Q1. Like does the ball itself absorb and reflect, or is that really the atoms and molecules that make up the solid. (for example: atoms and molecules vibrate in a solid, but the solid object itself does not move or vibrate) so does the ball actually do anything?

A1. The mechanism of absorption and refection for the visual light depends on the type of the solid. For molecular solid (e.g., plastic ball) the electron excitation transitions in molecules are the primary process. The REFLECTION is due to emission of the light quantum (photon) when the exited electron returns to the low energy ground level of the molecule. In this process molecular vibrations could be exited and cause ABSORPTION of the light.

For a metal ball the electrons are the collectivized conduction electrons. Light excites their wavelike motion (plasma waves) causing strong light REFLECTION; that's the reason why metals shine. The ABSORPTION is due to some decay of of the plasma wave and its energy transfer into atom vibrations.

Q2. Also, does light damage the object?

A2. Yes, it can by the ionizing and degrading the molecules or overheating (e.g., melting the ball) due to light absorbtion.

Q3. Does taking a photo or a video of an item damage it?

A3. Usually not, because modern cameras do not require illuminating the objet by hight intensity light for a long tome.

Q4. Does allowing the reflection in the object in the mirror- can it cause any damage to the object itself?

A4. No, because, typically, it does not change how the object is illuminated. The special case is when bright light is focused light is focused by a concave mirror to heat, melt of fire the object.

Q5. Does the object actually do the action?

A5. Typically no mechanical action, if we may neglect very weak effects like the light pressure.