Transparent Translucent Opaque Materials By Cammie Goodman Transparent

Transparent, Translucent, & Opaque Materials By: Cammie Goodman

Transparent Materials A transparent material is one that lets light pass straight through it.

Transmits clear images (ex. window)

If you look into the water of a very clean lake, you can clearly see pebbles and fish

Glass, air and water are transparent materials. Clear plastic is also transparent.

Translucent Materials Translucent materials scatter light that passes through them.

You cannot see objects clearly. Objects appear as blurry shapes.

• Bathroom windows are often made of frosted glass. • It lets light through but scatters the light so you cannot see clear images.

Waxed paper is also translucent. If you hold a sheet of waxed paper in front of a lamp, you will not see the lamp clearly, but light will get through. Example – different types of light bulbs.

Opaque. Materials Opaque materials do not let any light pass through it. It absorbs or reflects all the light that strikes it. It makes a shadow when light shines on it.

A brick, leaf, thick sheet of paper, and a piece of wood are all opaque objects.

Metals such as aluminum foil, copper and iron are opaque.

Many fabrics and plastics and also opaque. • Shades and curtains are all made of opaque fabrics to keep rooms dark so you can sleep or watch a movie.

On a hot sunny day you probably look for shade under a tree or inside a building • Wood and leaves block sunlight that help keep you cool. • Because they block light, they have many uses.

You can use your hand or card board to make shadow puppets.

Many hats, clothes and umbrellas are made of opaque fabrics and plastic. They help keep you from being burned or blinded by the sun.

Discussion Question: Would you prefer bedroom curtains made of transparent, translucent or opaque material? Explain your choice.