Understanding Light Energy

Front

light energy

Back

energy that travels in waves and can be seen by the human eye

Front

reflection

Back

bouncing of light off a shiny surface

Front

refraction

Back

bending of light as it passes through different mediums

Front

transparent

Back

clear and allow all light to pass through (e.g., glass)

Front

opaque

Back

block and absorb light

do not allow light to pass through (e.g., wood)

Front

translucent

Back

allow some light to pass through (e.g., frosted glass and wax paper)

Front

prism

Back

transparent (clear) object that bends and splits light into a spectrum of colors

Front

shadows

Back

blocking of light by an opaque object

Front

White light

Back

Combination of all colors of light

Front

Visible spectrum

Back

Range of light wavelengths visible to the human eye