What are Transparent Objects Translucent Objects & Opaque Objects

Transparent Objects, Translucent Objects and Opaque Objects are explained here along with definitions, characteristics, a lots of examples, so many images, animated video etc. 

Transparent Objects, Translucent Objects and Opaque Objects

Have you heard the term transparent objects, translucent objects, or opaque objects? Let us take, a glass of water and try to look through it. Are you able to see anything which is kept other side of the glass?

Yes, you can!

• Now if we take a simple plastic cup which is not very clear, then?
• Or if we take your favourite fruit like an apple or a brick, will you be able to see now?

In the case of plastic glass, you can see things partially but in the case of apple or brick, we can not see anything.

Now, all the above-referred objects, like glass, plastic cup, or apples are different and we see differently through these objects and the concept of these objects comes into the picture. 

Types of Objects – Transparent Translucent Opaque

We have seen three kinds of object in our examples

Now, why we see differently in different objects? It is simply because light passes differently through various types of objects.

• In the first case, light passes through easily in the glass, so we can see clearly.
• In the second case, light passes through partially in a plastic cup, so can see but not clearly.
• In the third case, light can not pass through in the case of apple, hence, we can not see anything. 

Hence, we can divide objects into three groups based on the above.

Transparent Objects Through which light can pass through easily (Glass)
Translucent Objects Through which light can pass through partially (Plastic cup)
Opaque Objects Through which light can not pass through (Apple or Brick)

Check out our ANIMATED video!

What Is Transparent Object? Example

The transparent object is explained along with examples.

Definition

The object which allows light to pass through completely is called Transparent object. 

Characteristics

Characteristics of Transparent Objects are as follows:

• Light can pass completely through these objects.
• We can see clearly through transparent objects. 
• Any object which kept on the other side of the transparent object is clearly visible.
• No shadow formation in these objects, since, this object doesn’t block the light.
• Transparent object sometimes known as see-through objects since we see clearly through these objects.

Examples at a glance

Look at the images of a few transparent object, which we used to see in our daily life. 

Example of Transparent Objects

There are so many transparent object examples, are as follows

Glasses 

We see a lot of things made of glass, like watches, lenses, water glasses, spectacles, fish tanks, etc and we see clearly through it. Here, light rays pass through completely. So, these glasses are transparent objects.

Clear Plastics

There are so many plastics are available in the market, which is very thin, and we can see clearly.

Diamond

Dimond is the clearest thing and if you take a piece of diamond and try to look your writings on a paper. You will see it very clearly. So, dimond is a transparent object

Water

If you see something through clear and stable water, you will see the thing through the water very clearly. Please make a note that if the water is not clear, you can not see clearly. 

Air

Air exists in our surrounding and we see everything through the air. When you travel by airplane, try to see outside through the window. You can see how the air is coming under the transparent object.

Prism

Prism is also the most transparent object and we see everything through the prism.

Clear cellophane sheet

It is very thin and very transparent. We all use it in our home, just try to look through it any object. You will see everything clearly. 

What Are Translucent Objects? Example 

Definition

The object which allows light to pass through partially is called a Translucent object. 

Characteristics

Characteristics of Translucent Objects are as follows:

• Light can pass partially through these objects.
• We can not see clearly through translucent objects. 
• Any object which kept on the other side of the transparent object is not clearly visible.
• Faint shadow formation in these objects, since, this object doesn’t block the light.
• Transparent object sometimes known as partially see-through objects since we see partially through these objects.

Examples at a glance

Few of the images of translucent objects are captured for basic understanding, 

Example of Translucent Objects 

Few of the translucent objects examples are as follows,

Frosted Glass

When a glass is having moisture or frosted, we cannot see the opposite side clearly. But partially we can see the opposite side. Hence, frosted glass is a translucent object.

Thin Fabrics

It is also another example of a translucent object, as you can see partially. Take a thin fabric and do your experiment to confirm it is a translucent object.

Tracing Paper

We can not see clearly through tracing paper. We draw many things with the help of tracing paper. How to do it? It is simple – just place your tracing paper on the sketch, as you see the sketch partially, you can draw it easily. 

Tinted glass

If you are one side of any tinted glass, will you be able to see clearly an opposite side of it? Not, you cannot see clearly.

Coloured Plastics

We all have coloured plastics in our home, try to look through it. You will be understood, coloured plastics is a translucent object.

Clouds

When you are on a plane, I am sure you will try to look outside. But I am sure you cannot see clearly through clouds.

Coloured balloons

Last time, when you attend your friend’s birthday party, have tried to see whether coloured balloons are transparent or not?

Butter paper

Ask your mom a butter paper and try to look through it now! Are you able to see through butter paper clearly? No.

Stained glass

We can not see through the stained glass clearly. If you visit an old empire, you can tinted glass for your understanding. 

Coloured liquids

If you keep this liquid in a glass bottle, you can not see through these coloured liquids. 

What Are Opaque Objects? Example 

Definition

The object which doesn’t allow light to pass through is called Opaque object. 

Characteristics

Characteristics of Opaque Objects are as follows:

• Light can not pass through these objects.
• We can not see anything through opaque objects. 
• Any object which kept on the other side of the opaque object is not visible.
• Dark shadow formation in these objects, since, this object fully block the light.

Examples at a glance

Few images of opaque objects are shown here,

Example of Opaque Objects 

Opaque object examples are listed here,

Mirror

When we comb hair, what we see? We see ourselves. Can we see the portion which is the backside of the mirror? Not at all. There is a coating behind the mirror, which doesn’t allow light to pass through. Hence, light can not pass through the mirror and it is an opaque object.

Apple

We cannot see anything through an apple. Take an apple & try it. Hence, the apple is an opaque object. 

Brick

Brick is an opaque object, as no light can pass through.

Paper cup

Nobody can see anything through the paper cup. You can try it right now. 

Stone

Stone doesn’t allow light to pass through, so, it is an opaque object

Can

An opaque object

Wooden or steel cupboard

We cannot see anything through wooden or steel cupboard

Book

Can you see anything through the book? No! Hence, it is an opaque object.

Difference Between Transparent Translucent Opaque objects

The difference between Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque Objects are as follows:

Examples of Transparent Materials Translucent Materials and Opaque Materials

A simple example including Transparent Object, translucent object & opaque object is illustrated below:

Further Study

Reference

• NCERT Books
• Study Windows’s Experience

Conclusion

Hence, we have learned transparent, translucent, and opaque objects. Do have any doubt on the subject? Write to us!