Question

How do transparent objects behave with light?
(A). Do not let light pass through them
(B). Allow light to pass through them
(C). Absorb some amount of light and allow the rest to pass through
(D). Reflect all the light falling on them

Answer 1

- Hint: The term transparent will give you an idea of how light interacts with it. It also gives you an idea about how light reacts with that particular material. Also, keep in mind there are molecules present in the object which could interact with light, so light can’t just pass through a material without interacting with it.

Complete step-by-step solution -

Transparent objects or materials are materials which do not reflect light but allow the transmission of light through them. Since the visible light we see is a combination of many wavelengths or frequencies, some wavelengths of light can interact with the molecules in the transparent material. Each material may absorb light of certain wavelength depending on the nature of atoms present in the material.
Option (A) given in the question is wrong since a transparent object always allows it to pass through it. Coming to option (b), it is partially correct since transparent objects allow light to pass through, but it does not consider absorption. Option (D) is wrong since a transparent object does not reflect light. Option (C) is the option which correctly explains the behaviour of light in transparent materials.
So the answer to the question is option (C)- Absorb some amount of light and allow rest to pass through.

Note: Materials which do not allow transmission of light are called opaque. Such materials have absorption centres which will absorb light of any wavelength.
Optically transparent materials focus on the response of a material to incoming light waves of a range of wavelengths. Guided light wave transmission via frequency selective waveguides involves the emerging field of fiber optics and the ability of certain glassy compositions to act as a transmission medium for a range of frequencies simultaneously with little or no interference between competing wavelengths or frequencies. This resonant mode of energy and data transmission via electromagnetic (light) wave propagation is relatively lossless.