The amount of heat an object absorbs is primarily determined by its color and material. Darker colors, such as black, absorb more heat compared to lighter colors, like white. This is due to the way different colors interact with sunlight. Dark colors absorb more of the sun's energy, which is then converted into heat. Additionally, materials with higher thermal conductivity, such as metals, absorb and transfer heat more efficiently than materials with lower thermal conductivity, like wood or plastic.

The absorption of heat by an object is governed by the laws of thermodynamics. According to Kirchhoff's law of thermal radiation, a material's ability to absorb heat is directly related to its ability to emit heat. Darker materials have a higher emissivity, meaning they emit heat more effectively. This is why black objects tend to feel warmer to the touch than white objects in the same environment.

Data from various studies support this. For instance, a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) found that a black surface absorbs about 90% of the sunlight it receives, while a white surface absorbs only about 20%. This significant difference in absorption rates demonstrates the impact of color on heat absorption.

Moreover, the material's composition plays a crucial role. Metals, such as copper and aluminum, have high thermal conductivity, allowing them to absorb and transfer heat quickly. In contrast, materials like wood and plastic have lower thermal conductivity, which means they absorb heat more slowly and retain it for longer periods.

In conclusion, the amount of heat an object absorbs is determined by its color and material. Darker colors absorb more heat due to their higher emissivity, while materials with higher thermal conductivity absorb and transfer heat more efficiently. These factors are crucial in understanding how objects interact with their environment and how they can be designed to optimize heat absorption for various applications.