Reflected, transmitted, and absorbed light describe different ways in which light interacts with a material or surface:
Reflected Light: Reflected light refers to the portion of incident light that bounces off a surface without penetrating or being absorbed by it. When light strikes an object, some of it is reflected back into the environment. The angle at which light is reflected depends on the angle at which it initially struck the surface, following the law of reflection. Mirrors are an example of surfaces that reflect light very efficiently, creating clear and sharp reflections.
Transmitted Light: Transmitted light is the portion of light that passes through a material or medium, such as air, water, or glass. When light encounters a transparent or translucent object, it can penetrate the material and continue its path on the other side. The amount of light transmitted depends on the material's transparency and the wavelength of the light. For example, when light passes through a glass window, it is transmitted to the other side, allowing us to see through it.
Absorbed Light: Absorbed light refers to the portion of light that is absorbed by a material or surface rather than being reflected or transmitted. When light interacts with an object, its energy can be absorbed by the atoms or molecules of the material. The absorbed energy is usually converted into heat. Different materials have different absorption properties, meaning they absorb certain wavelengths of light more effectively than others. For example, black objects appear dark because they absorb most of the visible light that strikes them.
It's important to note that these categories are not always mutually exclusive. In many cases, light can be both reflected and transmitted to varying degrees depending on the material and surface characteristics. The proportions of reflected, transmitted, and absorbed light depend on the properties of the material, the angle of incidence, and the wavelength of the light.