Light

A light source produces light.

Sources of light…

What happens when light hits an object? The light is reflected off the object.

We see things because of reflected light.

We blue because blue is reflected; white because all colors are reflected.

We see ourselves in a mirror because of reflection.

The light that hits an object is called the angle of incidence. The light that bounces off the object is called the angle of reflection.

Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection Molecular Expressions

This is called the law of reflection. Molecular Expressions

Click here for Reflection video clip.

When light passes thru transparent objects (water, glass, etc.), the light is refracted (bent).

When light passes thru water, it’s refracted.

When light travels thru a prism, the refraction forms the spectrum. DiscoveryEducation Clipart

The spectrum is the colors of the rainbow…

Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet (ROY G. BIV).

Click here for Rainbows and Blue Skies video clip.

Click here for Refraction Basics video clip.

Three things can happen when light hits an object.

If the object is transparent, it will pass through it.

If the object is translucent, light is diffused as it passes through it. Designbuild-Network.com

If the object is opaque, the light will not pass thru the object and is reflected.