Properties of Light

Electromagnetic Spectrum

What is Light? wave matter or space Light is a type of wave that carries energy through matter or space. spread out in all directions A source of energy such as the Sun or a light bulb gives off light waves that spread out in all directions from the light source. light ray A light ray is a narrow beam of light that travels in a straight line.

Light Travels Through Space medium The material through which a wave travels is called the medium. electromagnetic wave Light is an electromagnetic wave and doesn’t need a medium in which to travel. Electromagnetic waves can travel in a vacuum, as well as materials such as air, water, and glass.

Light and Matter another source Most objects can only be seen if light waves from another source bounce off of them and into your eyes. reflection The process of light striking an object and bouncing off is called reflection. absorbed reflectedpass through it When light waves strike an object, some of the waves are absorbed by the object, some are reflected by it, and some might pass through it. material What happens to light when it strikes an object depends on the material the object is made of.

Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent reflect and absorb All objects reflect and absorb some light waves. how much light passes through them Materials are opaque, translucent or transparent depending on how much light passes through them. Which type of material reflects the least amount of light? Transparent Materials Transparent Materials

Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent opaque Materials that do not let light pass through them are opaque. cannot see You cannot see other objects through opaque materials. Some examples include: – Walls – Desks – Most Objects

Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent all light transparent Materials that allow nearly all light that strikes them to pass though are transparent. can clearly see though You can clearly see though these types of object. Some examples include?: Glass and clear plastic Glass and clear plastic.

Opaque, Translucent, and Transparent Translucent Translucent materials allow only some light to pass through. not clear Although object behind these materials are visible, they are not clear. Some examples include?: Frosted glass and Frosted glass and Wax paper Wax paper.