Changes Caused by Light

Front

Absorb Verb

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[ab-sorb]

Back

Absorb

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To take in energy from light, causing the energy to be converted into another form, such as heat.

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Example: This diagram shows a leaf absorbing light energy from the sun, which is the first step in the complex process of photosynthesis.

Front

Energy Noun

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[en-er-jee]

Back

Energy

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The capacity to cause change, which can be carried by light and transferred to matter, causing it to change.

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Example: The Sun radiates light energy, which travels through space and is transferred to the Earth, warming the planet and enabling life.

Front

Emit Verb

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[i-mit]

Back

Emit

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To produce and discharge something, especially light or other forms of radiation, from a source into the environment.

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Example: The Sun is a source that emits solar wind, a stream of charged particles, into the surrounding space.

Front

Light Noun

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[lite]

Back

Light

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A form of energy that travels in waves and can be seen, reflected, absorbed, or transmitted by objects.

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Example: This diagram shows energy traveling in waves from the Sun to the Earth, illustrating how light, a form of radiation, moves through space.

Front

Light Source Noun

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[lite sors]

Back

Light Source

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An object that produces and emits its own light, such as the sun, a star, or a light bulb.

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Example: This image incorrectly shows light absorption and reflection, concepts of how light interacts with objects, rather than showing a light source producing light.

Front

Reflect Verb

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[ri-flekt]

Back

Reflect

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To bounce light waves off a surface without absorbing the energy, changing the direction of the light's path.

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Example: A beam of light from a source hits a mirror and bounces off, changing its direction. The diagram shows how the incoming and outgoing light rays form specific angles.

Front

Transmit Verb

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[tranz-mit]

Back

Transmit

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To allow light energy to pass through a material or medium from one side to the other.

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Example: Light from outside passes through window blinds to light up a dark room, demonstrating how a material can transmit light energy.

Front

Wave Noun

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[wayv]

Back

Wave

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A repeating pattern of disturbance that transfers energy from one point to another without transferring matter.

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Example: A hand moves a spring up and down, creating a repeating pattern (a wave) that transfers energy along the spring without transferring the spring itself.

Front

Wavelength Noun

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[wayv-length]

Back

Wavelength

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The specific distance between two consecutive peaks or troughs of a wave, determining properties like the color of light.

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Example: This diagram shows a wave and uses an arrow to mark the wavelength, which is the exact distance from the top of one wave (peak) to the next.