Seeing The Light

Radiant Energy

All light is a form of energy. That’s because light “radiates”, or spreads out, in all directions from its source. (Such as a light bulb or star).

Light travels in a straight line until something interrupts it or changes its path

How does light behave?

When light hits an object, the rays either pass through it, bounce off it, or are absorbed by it.

Reflected Light

Light rays that bounce back are called reflected light.

The image that is created when light reflects is called reflection.

Refracted light

When light bends, it is known as refracted light.

As light passes through two different substances of different densities, the speed of light is changed. This causes the light rays to change direction causing the “bending” effect.

Transparent

A material that allows almost all light to pass through it is described as transparent.

Translucent

When only a little light is allowed through, the object is considered translucent.

Opaque

A material that does not allow light to pass through is called opaque.