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transparent

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Transparent materials allow all of the light that hits them to pass through them without scattering. This is because the particles that make up transparent materials are very small, so they do not scatter light.

The amount of light that passes through a transparent material depends on the thickness of the material. Thicker materials allow less light to pass through, so they appear more opaque.

Transparent materials are used in a variety of applications, including:

  • Windows
  • Lenses
  • Microscopes
  • Telescopes

How can the word be used?

The transparent liquid made it possible to see the fish swimming inside.

transparent

Different forms of the word

Adjective:

  • allowing light to pass through completely.
  • easily seen through or understood.

Noun:

  • the quality of being transparent.

Etymology

The word "transparent" comes from the Latin words "trans" and "parere", which mean "through" and "appear" respectively.

The first recorded use of the word "transparent" in English was in the 15th century.

The word "transparent" is a Latin word, and it is related to the Italian word "trasparente" and the Spanish word "transparente".

Question

What does transparent mean?

AQA Science Exam Question and Answer

Question:

Define the term "transparent" and provide examples of transparent materials. Explain the optical properties that allow transparent materials to transmit light without significant scattering or absorption.

Answer:

"Transparent" refers to a property of materials that allow light to pass through them with minimal scattering, resulting in a clear and unobstructed view of objects on the other side. Unlike translucent materials that scatter light to some extent or opaque materials that block light entirely, transparent materials enable the passage of light without significant distortion.

Examples of transparent materials include clear glass, water, and certain plastics. These materials possess a uniform molecular or atomic structure that allows light to pass through unimpeded. In transparent substances, incoming light interacts with the material's atoms or molecules, causing them to absorb and re-emit the light at the same frequency. This process of absorption and re-emission occurs without altering the light's original direction, resulting in the material appearing clear.

For instance, in clear glass, the regular arrangement of silica molecules allows light waves to propagate without scattering or distortion. As light enters the glass, it interacts with the electrons in the silica molecules, causing them to vibrate and re-emit the light. Since the emitted light maintains its original frequency and direction, the glass remains transparent.