Reflected, transmitted, and absorbed light are terms used to describe what happens when light interacts with a material or surface:
Reflected Light: Reflected light refers to the portion of incident light that bounces off a surface without being absorbed or transmitted. When light encounters a reflective surface, such as a mirror or a smooth metal surface, it reflects off at an angle equal to the angle of incidence. This reflection allows us to see objects and perceive their color, as the reflected light carries information about the object's color and appearance.
Transmitted Light: Transmitted light refers to the portion of incident light that passes through a material or substance. Transparent or translucent materials, such as glass or certain types of plastics, allow light to pass through with minimal scattering or absorption. When light transmits through a material, it may change direction due to refraction, but it continues its path through the material, making objects or substances behind it visible.
Absorbed Light: Absorbed light refers to the portion of incident light that is absorbed by a material or substance. When light interacts with an object or surface, it can be absorbed by the material, converting light energy into other forms of energy, such as heat. The absorbed light does not reflect or transmit through the material but rather contributes to heating the object or causing other chemical or physical changes within it.
These three phenomena—reflection, transmission, and absorption—describe the different ways light can interact with materials, each with its own implications for how we perceive and interact with the world around us.