Question

Which one of the following options is correct about opaque objects?
                A. does not transmit most of the light falling on them
                B. transmit most of the light falling on them
                C. absorb most of the light falling on them
                D. are strong and hard

Answer 1

- Hint: Opaque is just similar to the word “obstacle”. Or we can say that It is any type of hindrance in the path of action. The word transmit means ‘to pass through something’. These objects do not allow light to pass through them.

Complete step-by-step solution -
Let’s explore more about opaque objects –
Before getting into opaque objects, you should know what happens when light falls on an object. When an object is exposed to light three phenomena happen and they are Reflection, refraction and transmission. I know you know all these but on account of these phenomena objects are categorized as translucent, transparent and opaque.
Opaque objects are those objects which do not allow light to pass through them i.e. when these objects are exposed to light, they absorb the light and thus acts as hindrance to the path of light.
Some characteristics of opaque objects are -
                     a) Most of the light interacting with them does not get reflected.
                     b) They are neither translucent or transparent.
                     c) they can be hard or soft.
                     d) they absorb light.

Therefore, the answer is option (C).

Additional information: When these objects are comparable to wavelengths of light falling on them, then they show a phenomenon called diffraction.

Note: Don’t think that opaque are always hard and strong as a sponge ball can also stop light from passing through to some extent. The opacity of an object arises from the arrangement of the molecules. Sometimes opacity can also arise due to inner crystallization like in glass.