Transparent Materials, Translucent Objects, and Opaque Objects are explained here along with definitions, characteristics, a lot of examples, so many images, animated video, etc. Let’s explore transparent translucent opaque objects and examples!
Transparent Materials, Translucent Objects, & Opaque Objects or Materials
Have you heard the term transparent objects, translucent objects, or opaque objects or materials? 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 that is not very clear, then?
- Or if we take your favorite fruit like an apple or you can take a brick, will you be able to see it 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 cups, 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 Materials, Translucent Objects, and Opaque Objects with Examples
We have seen three kinds of objects in our examples
| Objects | Observations |
| 1. Glass | Through which we can see clearly |
| 2. Plastic cup | Through which we can see partially |
| . Apple | Through which we cannot see anything |
Now, why do 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.
| Type of Objects | Basic Explanation |
| Transparent Objects or Materials | Through which light can pass through easily (Glass) |
| Translucent Objects or Materials | Through which light can pass through partially (Plastic cup) |
| Opaque Objects or Materials | Through which light cannot pass through (Apple or Brick) |
What is a Transparent Material or Object? Examples of Transparent Materials
The transparent object is explained along with examples.
Transparent Materials/Objects Definition
The object or material which allows light to pass through completely is called a Transparent object or transparent material.
Characteristics of Transparent Materials
Characteristics of Transparent Materials are as follows:
- Light can pass completely through these objects.
- We can see clearly through transparent materials.
- Any object 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 objects are sometimes known as see-through objects since we see clearly through these objects.
- The objects never become blurred, or you can say, it will not be fuzzy.
- In any transparent material, the light follows the laws of refraction.
- Scattering is negligible in transparent objects.
- A clear image is visible on the other side.
Examples at a glance
Look at the images of a few transparent objects, which we used to see in our daily life.
Examples of Transparent Materials or Objects
What are transparent objects examples? Let’s see! There are so many transparent materials 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. What is your opinion, glass is a transparent, or translucent, or opaque object? 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 are very thin, and we can see clearly. Hence, we can easily conclude those clear plastics are transparent materials.
Diamond
Dimond is the clearest thing and if you take a piece of diamond and try to look at your writings on paper. You will see it very clearly. So, a diamond is a transparent material. This thing you can test in any jewelry shop as well.
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 surroundings 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. We see things around us and the air is not preventing our vision. From here as well, we can simply conclude that air is a transparent object.
Prism
Prism is also the most transparent material 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 or Materials? Examples
Translucent Objects Definition
The object which allows light to pass through partially is called a Translucent object.
Characteristics of Translucent Objects
Characteristics of Translucent Objects are as follows:
- Light can pass partially through these objects.
- We can not see clearly through translucent objects.
- Any object 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 objects are sometimes known as partially see-through objects since we see partially through these objects.
- Scattering is happening in translucent objects.
- A clear image is not visible on the other side, as the light gets scattered, and all rays are directed in various directions.
Examples at a glance
If someone asks you, what do you mean by translucent objects give two examples? What do you reply? It is simple! The material through which light passes partially is simply translucent material. Two objects are frosted glass & tinted glass. Few of the images of translucent objects are captured for basic understanding,
Examples of Translucent Materials or Objects
A 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 material, 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 on 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 colored plastics in our homes, try to look through them. You will be understood, colored plastic is a translucent material.
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.
Colored balloons
Last time, when you attend your friend’s birthday party, have tried to see whether the colored 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.
Colored liquids
If you keep this liquid in a glass bottle, you can not see through these colored liquids.
What Are Opaque Materials or Objects? Examples
Opaque Objects Definition
The object which doesn’t allow light to pass through is called an Opaque material.
Characteristics of Opaque Materials
Characteristics of Opaque Objects are as follows:
- Light can not pass through these materials.
- We can not see anything through opaque materials.
- Any object kept on the other side of the opaque object is not visible.
- Dark shadow formation in these objects, since, this object fully blocks the light.
Examples at a glance
Few images of opaque objects are shown here,
Examples of Opaque Objects or Materials
Opaque material/object examples are listed here,
Mirror
When we comb hair, what do 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 material.
Apple
We cannot see anything through an apple. Take an apple & try it. Hence, the apple is an opaque material.
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 material
Wooden or steel cupboard
We cannot see anything through wooden or steel cupboards.
Book
Can you see anything through the book? No! Hence, it is an opaque material.
Plastic Chair
We all have plastic chairs or maybe wooden chairs. Can you see anything through these chairs? No, you cannot! Hence, plastic or wooden chairs are examples of opaque objects.
Difference Between Transparent Translucent Opaque Materials and Objects
The difference between Transparent materials, Translucent objects, and Opaque materials are as follows:
| Transparent Material/Object | Translucent Material/Object | Opaque Material/Object |
| Light pass-through completely | Light pass-through partially | Light cannot pass-through |
| We can see things through these objects clearly | We can see things through these objects partially | We cannot see things through these objects |
| An object kept on the other side is completely visible | An object kept on the other side is partially visible | An object kept on the other side is not visible |
| No shadow formation | Faint shadow formation | Dark shadow formation |
| Glass, lenses, water, etc. are examples of transparent materials | Frosted glass, tinted glass, etc. are translucent objects examples. | Brick, book, wood, etc. are opaque objects examples |
Examples of Transparent Materials Translucent Objects and Opaque Materials
A simple example including Transparent object, translucent object, and opaque object is illustrated below:
Why Does Transparent Object is Clear but Translucent Object is Fuzzy?
There are few reasons by which we see transparent material as very clear but translucent material fuzzy. Let’s see the reasons:
- Irregular Refraction: If you observe the structure of any transparent object, you will see that matters are uniformly distributed. But this is not uniform in case of translucent objects. Now, when light falls on these types of objects, due to this non-uniformity, it gets scattered. This scattering results in fuzziness.
- Different composition: If the composition is not the same, there may be a chance of light scattering which results in fuzziness.
Why cannot we see anything through opaque objects?
There are mainly three reasons by which we are not able to see anything through opaque objects.
- Reflection: When light rays fall on the surface on any opaque materials, a certain percentage of incident rays get reflected. Now, if the light gets reflected, will be able to do anything through this object? Not really! If you try to look at anything through a mirror, you cannot see anything, as coating behind the mirror allow almost all rays to be reflected.
- Scattering: In these opaque materials, light scatters due to its uneven distribution of molecules or its non-uniformity. The energy is not able to reach on the other side due to a high level of scattering and we cannot see anything on the other side.
- Absorption: If any object absorbs light, will you be able to see it. No, we cannot! Hence, due to the absorption of light, we cannot see the opaque object
What Items are Transparent? What are the 10 Transparent Objects?
Many times, it is being asked that what items are transparent or what are the 10 transparent objects? There are many transparent objects or materials. 10 most common transparent objects are as follows:
- Clean Air
- Clear glass
- Clear plastic
- Clear water
- Diamond
- Cellophane sheet
- Prism
- Lenses
- Glass window
What are Transparent Objects Your Answer? What is a Transparent Object for Kids? What is Meant by Transparent Object?
If we can see things around us through an object, then the object is called as transparent objects. In this case. The light can easily pass through completely and we can see things. Let’s try to understand what is meant by transparent object? It is really easy to explain to a kid by showing a transparent object example.
- Take a small bawl and keep a small object. Kids can easily understand as the small object can be easily seen. Tell the kids that as we are able to see the object through the water, this water is called a transparent object.
- Now, what will you do? Put some color in the water and mix it. Now, the object can not visible. So, this mixed water is not a transparent object.
- Hence, it can be concluded to your kids that clear water is a transparent object.
- Apart from clear water, there are many other transparent objects.
For examples:
- Clean Air
- Diamond
- Cellophane sheet
- Glass window
- Lenses
- Clear plastic
- Prism
- Clear glass
What are 3 Examples of Transparent?
If your friend asks you what are 3 examples of transparent, what will you reply. You will tell them more than 3 transparent items! Like,
- Lenses,
- Prism
- Diamond,
- Clear air, etc.
What are Translucent Objects Give 2 Examples?
We have learned that if light passes through an object partially, we called that object a translucent object. Now, we will give 2 examples of translucent objects:
- Butter paper
- Colored plastic
Is Cardboard Transparent Translucent or Opaque?
We have already understood that if light is not able to pass through an object completely, the object is called as opaque object. Now, the question is whether a cardboard belongs to transparent or translucent or opaque object?
Take a cardboard and try to see anything through this. Are you able to see anything opposite site of cardboard? No. Why? Because light is not able to pass through this cardboard and we cannot see things around us. Hence, cardboard is an opaque object.
Are Sunglasses Translucent?
Let’s try to understand are sunglass translucent. Before going to explain, let me ask, why do we use sunglass? It’s simple, we try to protect our eyes from the sun or sunrays. It means, sunglass helps to protect some sunrays to fall in our eyes directly and our eyes don’t get all sunrays.
As partial sunrays reach to our eyes, there is not strain to our eyes and helps to protect. Same way, UV rays are also protected by the use of special sunglass. Hence, light cannot pass through completely through the sunglass and it is coming under translucent object.
Is Mirror Transparent Translucent or Opaque?
We know that glass is a transparent object and mirror is made of glass. So, at the first impression, it seems that mirror is a transparent object. But it’s not correct! Let’s try to understand.
The mirror is not only made with a glass, apart from glass it has a coating behind it. The main intention of coating is to protect the light rays to pass through glass. So, as light rays are not able to pass through the mirror completely, based on the definition of opaque object, we can conclude that mirror is coming under the same.
Exercise on Transparent Materials, Translucent Materials, and Opaque Objects
Exercise-1
Fill in the blank place as below, with
Opaque, transparent, translucent
- A material through which light can easily pass is known as _________ object.
- Plain glass is an example of __________ material.
- What do you think, Mirror is an example of ________ object?
- Colored plastic is example of ________ material.
- A material through which we cannot see anything is called ________ object.
Answer:
- Transparent
- Transparent
- Opaque
- Translucent
- Opaque
Exercise-2
Match between right & left column of the table
| Objects | Properties |
| Football | Transparent Material |
| Brick | Transparent Material |
| Sunglass | Opaque Material |
| Clear water | Translucent Material |
| Cloud | Opaque Material |
Answer
| Objects | Properties |
| Football | Opaque Material |
| Brick | Opaque Material |
| Sunglass | Transparent Material |
| Clear water | Transparent Material |
| Cloud | Translucent Material |
Conclusion
Hence, we have learned transparent materials, translucent objects, and opaque materials or objects along with examples. Do have any doubt on the subject? Write to us in the below comment box!
Video
Check out our ANIMATED video!
Other References
What is a luminous & non-luminous object?
How does light interact with matters?
