Appearance of Objects (GCSE Physics)

Appearance of Objects

Appearance of Objects

White and Black Objects

• White objects have reflected wavelengths. If an object appears totally white, then all the wavelengths of light have been equally reflected by the object. This is because all the wavelengths of light will combine to form the colour white, resulting in the object appearing white.

Transmission of Light

• Objects can be transparent. If the wavelengths of light are not reflected or absorbed by an object, then the object will appear transparent. The reason for this is that the object has actually transmitted the light, meaning that it is totally ‘see through’.

Colours of Objects

• Opaque object colours depend on reflection. Opaque objects often have different colours, which are dependent on the reflection of different wavelengths of light. For example, we can look at the colour of the grass. To us, grass appears green. This is because the grass is absorbing all wavelengths of light except for the colour green. This means that the colour green is reflected, making the grass appear green.
• Wavelengths can undergo different effects. When a wavelength reaches an object, it can undergo different effects. We have explored these effects in this section, but here is a brief summary:
  • Absorption / transmission: This is used in colour filters and can change the appearance of an object.
  • Transmission: If wavelengths of light are transmitted, this results in the object appearing transparent.
  • Reflection: If wavelengths of light are reflected, this results in the object appearing a certain colour.