If an object allows some light to pass through but scatters it, which term describes it best?

If an object allows some light to pass through but scatters it, which term describes it best?

• A. Transparent
• B. Opaque
• C. Translucent
• D. Reflective

Answer: (C)

Translucent describes a material that lets some light through but scatters it as it passes. Because the light is diffused, you can sense light and shapes on the other side, but you can’t see through clearly. This is different from transparent, where light passes with little scattering and you see clearly through the material, and from opaque, which blocks light entirely. A common example is frosted glass or wax paper, which lets light in while blurring what’s on the other side.

Translucent describes a material that lets some light through but scatters it as it passes. Because the light is diffused, you can sense light and shapes on the other side, but you can’t see through clearly. This is different from transparent, where light passes with little scattering and you see clearly through the material, and from opaque, which blocks light entirely. A common example is frosted glass or wax paper, which lets light in while blurring what’s on the other side.