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Physics
Key terms
Differential absorption

GCSE Physics · key term

Differential absorption

Definition

The unequal absorption of different wavelengths by a material.

Used by Edexcel

How each exam board covers it

Edexcel GCSE Physics · 1PH0

Specification 5.3P · Paper 1

An opaque surface does not transmit light through it. Instead, its material absorbs some incident wavelengths more strongly than others and reflects some wavelengths more strongly than others. This unequal treatment of wavelengths is called differential absorption.
Revise: Colour of Light

Edexcel Physics past papers

Related key terms

Absorption
Colour filter
Opaque
Reflection
Transmission

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Visible spectrum

Differential absorption — Edexcel GCSE Physics Definition | GradeGen