Absorption of the electromagnetic radiation by metal particles in a quasist
atic region was estimated within the framework of a classical theory. The c
alculated values agree in the order of magnitude with experimental data on
the frequency dependence of the effective absorption factor of silver, gold
, and aluminum particles. The size effect in optical absorption in the near
IR spectral range is discussed. (C) 2000 MAIK "Nauka/Interperiodica".