Light interacts with materials in three primary ways: it can be transmitted, absorbed, or reflected. When light is transmitted, it passes through a material, as seen when sunlight filters through a clear window. Absorption occurs when light is taken in by a material, such as when a black surface absorbs more sunlight and heats up more than a white surface. Reflection happens when light bounces off a surface, like sunlight reflecting off a calm lake’s surface, creating a shimmering effect. In an image of a forest, for example, the sunlight transmitted through the leaves illuminates the ground, while the green foliage absorbs certain wavelengths of light and reflects others, giving the leaves their vibrant color.
The sun is our most important source of energy. It gives plants the ability to perform photosynthesis and make their own food. The sun provides animals with warmth, boosts our moods, and is essential to all life on Earth. The behavior of the sun’s light is determined by the material or object it comes in contact with.
In 3-5 sentences, write a paragraph that shows your understanding of how light is transmitted, absorbed, and reflected. Provide at least one example of how light is being transmitted, absorbed, and reflected in this picture.
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