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Opaque — Edexcel GCSE Physics Definition | GradeGen

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Physics
Key terms
Opaque

GCSE Physics · key term

Opaque

Definition

A material that does not transmit light through it.

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

Exam tips

1
Keep the processes distinct: an opaque coloured surface is seen mainly by reflected light, whereas a filter is seen through because it transmits selected light.

Related key terms

Absorption
Colour filter
Differential absorption
Reflection
Transmission

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