Properties of Light - Transmission
and Absorption
|
|
|
Transmission and Absorption
of Light
Students should be able
to:
explain reflection, bending
(refraction), and transmission of light.
|
Main Idea
When light hits a surface, the light can
be reflected, refracted, transmitted,
or absorbed.
|
Transmission
of Light
A material transmits light when it allows
the light to pass through it. Transparent materials
allow all the light to pass through them so that you can easily see
what is on the other side. Examples of transparent materials are glass,
water, and air. Translucent materials scatter the
light that passes through them. You can tell that something is on
the other side, but you cannot see details clearly. Examples of translucent
materials are wax paper, frosted glass, and some kinds of plastic.
Transparent |
Translucent |
|
|
| The glass is transparent. Because
it allows almost all light through it, you can see the milk. |
Frosted glass
is translucent. It scatters the light that passes through it.
|
Materials reflect or absorb light
are called opaque. These materials do not transmit
any light at all so it is impossible to see what is on the other side.
Examples of opaque objects include wood, metal, and any other object
that allows no light to pass through.
|
A mirror
is an example of an opaque object because it reflects light
instead of transmitting it. |
|
Subscribe
to the misterteacher newsletter
Stay up to date on all
of our new, free, mini-movies and student activities
as they are added to the site each month.
|
more from misterteacher.com
Photos from:
|
