What occurs when radio waves are absorbed?

When radio waves are absorbed, they lose energy and are intercepted by a medium. This process involves the transfer of energy from the radio waves to the atoms or molecules within the absorbing medium. As the energy is absorbed, the waves are effectively reduced in strength and cannot continue to propagate through the medium as they normally would.

In this context, it's important to understand that absorption of radio waves does not mean the waves bounce back or are redirected. Those scenarios involve reflection or refraction, which are different phenomena. Absorption results in the energy conversion, often leading to effects like heating the absorbing material, rather than allowing the waves to continue their original path. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the fundamental principle that absorption transforms the energy of the radio waves rather than simply altering their trajectory or enabling them to persist.