Observing Light
Science: KS3, topic 3.3.18
Visible Light
Human eyes see visible light. Light hitting an object can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted. Being absorbed, reflected or transmitted decides if an object is opaque, translucent or transparent.
Electromagnetic Radiation
- Visible light is a type of electromagnetic radiation.
Opaque
- Opaque objects reflect or absorb all the light that hits them.
- No light passes through opaque objects.
Translucent
- Translucent objects let light pass through.
- However, the light rays are scattered.
- We cannot see objects clearly through translucent objects.
Transparent
- Transparent objects let light pass through without scattering the rays.
- We can clearly see objects on the other side of transparent objects.
Test yourself on Observing Light
Which of these is a form of electromagnetic radiation?
Select the correct statement in each pair
A window lets light pass straight through it without scattering the rays, so you can see a sharp image of what is on the other side. What term describes the window?