Light and Optics Flashcards

Grade 4 · Science · Flashcards

Study key vocabulary for light, reflection, refraction, and optical materials.

Flashcards

Light: A form of energy that travels in straight lines at 186,000 miles per second
Reflection: When light bounces off a surface
Refraction: The bending of light as it passes from one material to another
Absorption: When a material takes in light energy
Transparent: A material that allows light to pass through it clearly (glass, water)
Translucent: A material that allows some light through but scatters it (frosted glass, wax paper)
Opaque: A material that blocks all light from passing through (wood, metal, brick)
Prism: A transparent object that separates white light into the colors of the rainbow
Spectrum: The range of colors in light: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet
Lens: A curved transparent object that focuses or spreads light
Shadow: A dark area formed when an opaque object blocks light
ROY G BIV: Memory trick for rainbow colors: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet