Objects differ in how they transfer light through them. Transparent objects permit almost all the light to pass through them. Materials such as water, and clear glass are transparent. On the other hand, when light strikes translucent materials, it changes direction multiple times and is scattered as it passes through. Therefore, one cannot see clearly through them, and objects on the other side of a translucent object appear unclear. Plastic and frosted glass are examples of translucent material. In this article, let us discuss the characteristics of a translucent object in detail.
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Table of Contents |
What is a Translucent Material?
Translucent materials allow partial transmission of light through them. The light rays scatter in the interior of a translucent material. Therefore, the light rays emerge in random directions. The image of an object appears blurry when seen through a translucent material. Owing to the filtered, radiant properties of light that passes through translucent materials, they are an excellent choice for relaxing or spiritual settings.
Examples of Translucent Material
Did you know that many day-to-day objects we encounter are translucent?
The following are a few examples of translucent materials:
- Stained Glass
- Lampshade
- Vegetable Oil
- Sunglasses
- Plastic
What Makes a Material Translucent?
Translucency can arise due to the following properties of the material:
- Crystallographic Defects: Crystal structure defects can give rise to light scattering.
- Non-uniform Density: If there is non-uniform distribution of matter in a material, irregular refraction and transmission can occur in them. These density fluctuations act as scattering centres. Light rays get scattered at the points of fluctuations.
- Boundaries: Cell boundaries in an organism and Grain boundaries in a polycrystalline structure can be scattering centres.
Translucent Material vs Transparent Material
Both translucent material and transparent material allow light to pass through them. Transparent objects transmit the majority of the incoming light. The light is hardly reflected or scattered, as a result, they appear to be colourless. Translucent materials allow partial transmission of light rays. These materials form blurred images of objects seen through them.
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Translucent Material |
Transparent Material |
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Partial transmission of light |
Complete transmission of light |
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We can partially see through these materials |
We can clearly see through these materials |
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The colour of these materials depends on the amount of light scattered, absorbed and reflected. |
The colour of these materials depends upon the light it emits |
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An object on the other side of this material is visible to some extent. |
An object on the other side of this material is clearly visible. |
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Frosted glass is an example of a translucent material |
Glass is an example of a transparent material |
Translucent Material vs Opaque Material
An opaque material does not allow light to pass through it. Unlike translucent materials, opaque materials do not form an image. Examples of opaque materials include wood, brick, and cardboard sheets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is translucent material?
Translucent materials allow partial transmission of light through them. The light rays scatter in the interior of a translucent material. Therefore, the light rays emerge in random directions. The image of an object appears blurry when seen through a translucent material.
What are the examples of translucent material?
Stained Glass and Plastic are some of the examples of translucent materials.
What is the difference between a transparent and a translucent material?
Transparent objects transmit the majority of the incoming light. Translucent materials allow partial transmission of light rays.
What makes a material translucent?
When light is incident on translucent materials, only some light passes through them. The light changes direction many times and is scattered as it passes through the translucent material.
Where is a translucent material used?
Owing to the filtered, radiant properties of light that passes through translucent materials, they are an excellent choice for relaxing or spiritual settings.
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