5.3.6 visible light 2

• Diffuse reflection

  • happens when light is reflected by a rough surface
  • light is scattered
• Specular reflection

  • happens when light is reflected by a smooth surface
  • light is reflected in a single direction
• Colour filters

  • absorb certain wavelengths
  • transmit other wavelengths
  • objects appear as different colours based off how the colours of white light are absorbed and reflected
• Colour of opaque objects

  • caused by reflecting light of a particular wavelength (colour) and absorbing all other wavelengths
  • if all wavelengths are reflected equally, opaque object looks white
  • if all wavelengths are absorbed, opaque object looks black
• If a blue book was looked at through a red filter, the book would look black

  • red filter will only allow red light to pass through it
  • it will absorb all other colours of light
• If a blue book was looked at through a blue filter, the book would still look blue

  • reflected blue light can pass through the filter