Light reflects off the top and bottom of a thin layer (like oil on water).
Use total internal reflection to carry data over long distances. Colour and The Optical Properties of Materials:...
Microscopic patterns in butterfly wings or peacock feathers cancel out some colors and amplify others. 🏗️ Material Classes Material Type Typical Interaction Visual Result Metals High electron density reflects almost all light. Shiny, opaque, often "silvery." Semiconductors Absorption depends on "band gap" energy. Can be transparent (glass) or opaque (silicon). Polymers Long chains often allow light to pass through. Usually transparent or translucent unless dyed. 💡 Practical Applications Light reflects off the top and bottom of
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another. Measures how much light slows down. Polymers Long chains often allow light to pass through
Color produced by the physical structure of the material rather than chemical pigments.
Materials (like LEDs or stars) create their own light. Absorption: Electrons soak up specific photon energies. Reflection: Light bounces off the surface. Transmission: Light passes through the material. 🔬 Key Optical Properties 1. Absorption and Selective Reflection This is the most common cause of color. Pigments: Absorb certain wavelengths and reflect others.
A leaf looks green because chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light, reflecting the green. 2. Refraction