Key Idea.
Section 1
The Three Fates of Light
When a light wave reaches a boundary, it must follow one of three paths. It can Transmit (pass through), Reflect (bounce off), or Absorb (sink in).
Most interactions are a combination of these three. For example, a pair of sunglasses might reflect some light, absorb some light, and transmit the rest to your eye.
Section 2
Non-Absorbed Light Transfers No Energy
It is critical to distinguish between these interactions.
Transmission and Reflection do not transfer energy to the material.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter
Expand to review the lesson summary and core properties.
Section 1
The Three Fates of Light
When a light wave reaches a boundary, it must follow one of three paths. It can Transmit (pass through), Reflect (bounce off), or Absorb (sink in).
Most interactions are a combination of these three. For example, a pair of sunglasses might reflect some light, absorb some light, and transmit the rest to your eye.
Section 2
Non-Absorbed Light Transfers No Energy
It is critical to distinguish between these interactions.
Transmission and Reflection do not transfer energy to the material.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter