Transparent, Translucent, & Opaque

Front

What is a transparent object?

Back

An object that allows light to pass through without scattering, making it possible to see clearly through it. Example: clear glass.

Front

What is a translucent object?

Back

An object that allows some light to pass through but scatters it, making it difficult to see clearly through it. Example: frosted glass.

Front

What is an opaque object?

Back

An object that does not allow any light to pass through. Example: a wooden table.

Front

Give an example of a transparent material.

Back

Clear water.

Front

Give an example of a translucent material.

Back

Wax paper.

Front

Give an example of an opaque material.

Back

Metal.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a transparent object?

Back

It passes through without being absorbed or scattered.

Front

What happens to light when it hits a translucent object?

Back

It passes through but is scattered, causing a blurred image.

Front

What happens to light when it hits an opaque object?

Back

It is either absorbed or reflected, and does not pass through.

Front

How can you tell if an object is transparent, translucent, or opaque?

Back

By observing how light interacts with the object: if light passes through clearly, it's transparent; if it passes through but is blurred, it's translucent; if it doesn't pass through at all, it's opaque.