Grades K–2 · Materials & Matter
How do materials change the view through them?
Light from an object lets us see it. Some materials let enough light pass in a clear way that we can see the object through them. These samples are called transparent.
In the diagramMaterials change the view through themObjectSampleViewATransparent: a clear viewThese labels describe the pictured visible-light samples.
Other samples let light through but spread it in different directions. The view looks blurred. These are called translucent. A frosted sheet can act this way.
An opaque sample blocks a view through it. The thick card in the picture does this. These long words describe the pictured results with visible light. A different thickness or coating can change how another sample behaves.
About this explanation
Starting knowledge: Recognize a clear view of a shape and distinguish it from a blurred or blocked view.
Sources
- NASA Science — NASA eClips Glossary: Transparent, Translucent and Opaque