Light & Matter We see the objects around us because light waves are reflected off objects to our eyes. We see the objects around us because light waves are reflected off objects to our eyes.

Light & Matter Opaque objects only reflect light, they do not allow light to pass through. Opaque objects only reflect light, they do not allow light to pass through. [

Light & Matter Translucent objects allow light to pass through, but you cannot see clearly through them. Translucent objects allow light to pass through, but you cannot see clearly through them. [

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Light & Matter Transparent objects allow you to see light clearly through them. Transparent objects allow you to see light clearly through them. Examples on pgs Examples on pgs [

Reflection of Light Regular Reflection occurs when light waves bounce off a smooth surface. Usually you see a reflection, like with mirrors or windows. Law of Reflection [ Click Here for a Regular Reflection Example

Reflection of Light Diffuse Reflection occurs when light waves bounce off rough surfaces. Diffuse Reflection occurs when light waves bounce off rough surfaces. This occurs with most objects we see. This occurs with most objects we see. [

Refraction of Light When a wave changes mediums it slows down and bends. When a wave changes mediums it slows down and bends.

Refraction of Light Index of refraction - How much a material changes the path of a light wave. Index of refraction - How much a material changes the path of a light wave. The larger the index, the more it bends. The larger the index, the more it bends. Click here for a refraction animation [

Click Here for the Disappearing Beaker Demo

Refraction of Light Prisms bend “white light” enough to split it into the colors of the rainbow. Prisms bend “white light” enough to split it into the colors of the rainbow.

Refraction of Light Red has the largest wavelength and bends the least. Red has the largest wavelength and bends the least. Violet is the opposite. Violet is the opposite.

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Mirages occur when light is refracted through different densities of air. Mirages occur when light is refracted through different densities of air. Usually air is warmer right above pavement. Usually air is warmer right above pavement. Refraction of Light [