Light Energy

Light Light travels in straight paths called rays. Light can travel through a vacuum. It travels at 300,000 km/s Sun is one of our only natural sources of light.

Reflection Reflected – light bounces back. Shiny surfaces reflect light. We see colors because that is the color reflected back to us.

Absorption Light goes into a material and turns into heat energy. Blacktop is hot during the summer. Dark objects absorb more light than light objects.

Transmitted When light passes through an object it is transmitted. Windows transmit light Translucent – some light passes Opaque – no light passes.

Lenses Light rays can be refracted or bent. A lens refracts the light depending on the shape of the lens. Images may be larger smaller or the same size.

Electromagnetic Spectrum Includes Radio waves, infrared, visible light, microwaves, ultraviolet, x rays, and gamma rays.

Uses and Problems X- rays used to diagnose illnesses. Overexposure to x-rays and ultraviolet light has been linked to cancer and genetic mutations.