Light & Color

Light & Matter Reflected – light bounces off an object Absorbed – transfer of light energy to matter Transmitted – passing of light or other form of energy through matter You can see objects outside because light is transmitted through the glass. You can see the glass and your reflection in it because light is reflected off the glass. The glass feels warm when you touch it because some light is absorbed by the glass.

Transparent, Translucent & Opaque

Types of Matter Transparent – matter that allows light to pass through with little interference Translucent – matter that transmits light but that does not transmit an image Opaque – an object that does not transmit any light Opaque – it is impossible to see your lunch Translucent – you can see your lunch, but not clearly Transparent – it is easy to see what you are having for lunch

Colors of Objects

Colors of Objects The color of an object is determined by the wavelengths of light that reach your eyes When white light strikes a colored opaque object some colors are absorbed and some are reflected. When white light strikes an opaque white object all the colors are reflected When white light strikes an opaque black object all the colors are absorbed When white light shines on a strawberry, only red light is reflected. Other colors of light are absorbed. That is why the strawberry looks red. White reflects all the colors of light, while black absorbs all the colors.