Which term describes the process by which light that is not absorbed by a material returns to the observer?

Which term describes the process by which light that is not absorbed by a material returns to the observer?

• A. Transmission
• B. Reflection
• C. Absorption
• D. Refraction

Answer: (A)

Light that isn’t absorbed by a material can still reach the eye in a couple of ways, but the term that best fits reaching the observer after passing through the material is transmission. Transmission describes light entering the material, traveling through it, and exiting so the observer can see it on the other side. This contrasts with reflection, where light bounces off the surface back to the eye, absorption, where light energy is taken in by the material, and refraction, which is the bending of light as it passes into a new medium. In gemology, transmission is the idea of light traveling through a transparent or translucent stone and being seen by the observer.

Light that isn’t absorbed by a material can still reach the eye in a couple of ways, but the term that best fits reaching the observer after passing through the material is transmission. Transmission describes light entering the material, traveling through it, and exiting so the observer can see it on the other side. This contrasts with reflection, where light bounces off the surface back to the eye, absorption, where light energy is taken in by the material, and refraction, which is the bending of light as it passes into a new medium. In gemology, transmission is the idea of light traveling through a transparent or translucent stone and being seen by the observer.