Transparent Translucent and Opaque Objects - Comparison, Difference, FAQs

Objects that allow the complete transmission of light, are known as transparent objects. Any opposite object can be seen through a transparent object.
One best example of transparent material is pure glass.

Translucent materials allow a very partial transmission of light through them.

A part of the incident light usually gets reflected or scattered, as it passes through the interior (inside) of the material.

Any opposite object that can be seen through a translucent material usually appears fuzzy or sometimes blurred.

Some of the best examples are oily paper, some plastics,tissues,etc.

Opaque materials reflect some incident light.

Hence, light rays cannot pass through opaque materials.

Some examples are wood, stone, etc.

Difference Between Transparent and Translucent Materials

Both objects allow light to pass through them.

Transparent objects may transmit a significant part of the given incoming light. The light is hardly scattered or reflected. Transparent objects often appear to be colorless as they do not allow light to reflect.

Translucent materials allow a very partial transmission of light rays. These materials form hazy or even blurred images of objects which are seen through them.

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This Story also Contains

1. Difference Between Transparent and Translucent Materials
2. Comparison Between Transparent, Translucent and Opaque objects
3. Difference Between Transparent and Translucent objects

Comparison Between Transparent, Translucent and Opaque objects

Transparent Substances

Light rays can easily pass through these substances.The refractive index of such transparent substances is nearly uniform. Most of the light,which is incident on a transparent object,usually transmits through it.

While passing through some transparent object or material, the amount of scattering is very less.Therefore, a clear image can be seen on the other side of the substance.

Transparent materials (e.g. glass) are often used to make spherical mirrors,lenses, spectacles, and various other objects.

Translucent Objects

A substance may be called translucent if it allows partial transmission through it.

Some light rays get scattered in the interior of such objects, and the other leftover light rays emerge out at random directions.

If any object which is kept at the other side of the translucent object is seen, then that image appears fuzzy or even blurred.

Translucency may usually occur due to the following properties-

Non-uniform Density: If any material has a non-uniform distribution of matter, then its density is different at different parts. Such density distribution may even result in transmission and irregular refraction.

Density fluctuations usually cause scattering centres and at the fluctuation points, the light rays may get scattered.

Crystallographic Defects: Fluctuations ( defects)in composition in a crystal structure may give rise to the scattering of light.

Boundaries: Cell boundaries and Grain boundaries usually behave as scattering centres.

[Cell boundaries for an organism and Grain boundaries for a polycrystalline structure]

Some examples of translucent objects are frosted glass, tissue,butter paper, various types of plastics,etc.

Opaque Objects

These are the objects that do not allow the transmission of light. Any incident light gets absorbed, reflected, or even scattered.

Light rays may often penetrate the substances to some depth.

Various causes of opacity are:-

Absorption: The light rays may get absorbed inside the medium(object).

This process reduces the intensity of the given incident light.

Scattering: The molecules of the medium may scatter and absorb light in random directions. Due to continuous scattering, the energy of that wave may completely get dissipated before the emergence of light from the other given side.

Reflection: An incident light ray usually gets reflected at the surface of the given opaque object. The objects appear a little coloured due to the reflection of a particular wavelength. The rest of the wavelengths get scattered or even absorbed.

Some examples of opaque objects are stone, wood, concrete, metals, etc.

Difference Between Transparent and Translucent objects

Both of these elements allow light to pass through them.

The transparent material may transmit a significant amount of incoming light. The light is not scattered or reflected. Transparent objects appear colourless as they do not glow.

Translucent materials allow a very little transfer of light rays. These building blocks create blurred images of objects.

Important terms about Transparent, Translucent and Opaque objects

•The absorption of light from matter depends on the composition of the atom and the molecules of matter. Electrons can transform into different energy levels by absorbing the corresponding wavelengths of light. Energy can also be absorbed due to the high vibration of cells.

•Metals have a lot of free electrons. When light rays normally pass through a metal object, these free electrons absorb and repel radiation regularly. This causes a rapid breakdown of the light of the event, making the object invisible to the rays.

•The viewing threads, used in communication, have a visible theme and cover. Electromagnetic waves of certain frequencies can transmit through the visible fibre with minimal power dissipation. The state of complete internal manifestation is applied to the fibres.

•Some marine animals (e.g. jellyfish) are virtually obscure. Invisibility (transparency) gives these animals protection from predators.

•Because of the flexibility of pale skin, the blue veins of the human body can be seen on the skin.

•Opaque and stained glass windows are sometimes used to protect privacy. The mirrors are clear from the inside and opaque from the outside.

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