LIGHT

Opaque, Translucent, Transparent Opaque – only absorbs and reflects light Translucent – allows some light to pass through, some light absorbed and reflected Transparent – allows almost all the light to pass through, only a small amount of light absorbed and reflected

TRANSPARENT OPAQUE TRANSLUCENT

Law of Reflection The angle at which a light wave strikes a surface is the same as the angle at which it is reflected.

Regular vs. Diffuse Reflection

Refraction Caused by a change in the speed of light If the light wave is traveling at an angle and the speed that light travels is different in the two materials  the wave will be bent (refracted)

Angle of Incidence Angle of Refraction Normal Incident Ray Air Water Refracted Ray

Prism

Mirage A result of the air above the ground being much warmer or cooler than the ground, causing refraction due to a change in the speed the light is traveling