Unfortunately, some of these terms are extremely similar or are used to refer to different things (usually by different people). There are a lot of different terms used to describe different kinds of labels – ranging from everyday terms to specific technical terms used by the label industry (and usually no one else). Here's a guide to the meaning of (and differences between) the terms opaque.
Example of objects that are translucent is a sheet of polythene, a flame of the burner, fog etc.Or copy the link! Opaque VS. Transparent objects follow the law of refraction whereas translucent objects do not follow the law of refraction.Įxamples of transparent objects is a sheet of plane glass, water, air etc. The translucent objects cast faint shadows as they block light partially. Transparent objects do not cast shadows as they do not block light. So, materials appear frosted and stained. The translucent object does not allow clear image formation because of partial visibility. It should be noted that one can also see through translucent objects but not clearly. One can see through transparent objects as it allows clear image formation. Question 1: What is the difference between transparent and translucent objects?Īnswer: Transparent object allows light to pass through it without scattering whereas translucent objects also allow light to pass through it but partially. FAQs on Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Basically, some materials can be opaque to light, but not to other types of electromagnetic waves. The book cover, brick, and other such solid things are all opaque in nature. For example, wood, stone, and metals are opaque to visible light. Most of the light that passes through opaque objects is either reflected by the object or absorbed and converted to thermal energy. Opaque objects block light and do not allow it to travel through them. As translucent objects let some light rays pass through them but not all. The details will not be easily discernible. If someone crosses a foggy window, you may be able to say that it’s a person but you can’t tell who or sometimes even what it is. Also, the objects on the other side of a translucent object appear fuzzy and unclear.įor instance, imagine a fogged-up glass window. That’s the reason we cannot see clearly through them. The light changes direction many times and is scattered as it passes through a translucent object. As if the light does not pass directly through the materials. When light strikes translucent materials, only some amount of light passes through the material. For example, frosted glass and some plastics. Translucent objects allow some light to pass through them but partially.
Translucent objects come in between opaque and transparent materials.
This is because the light rays emitting from the torch pass through that transparent object. For instance, if you switched on a torch and let the light pass through the glass window, you can still see the light on the other side of the glass surface. Glass is transparent to all visible light, water, and even air. When light run across transparent materials, almost all of it passes directly through them. Materials like air, water, and clear glass are transparent. Transparent objects allow light to pass through them. 2 FAQs on Transparent, Translucent and Opaque What are Transparent Objects?