Interactions Between Light and Matter
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NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI
Light and matter interact with each other in various ways. Matter can absorb light (take it in); emit light (give it off); transmit light (allow it to pass through); reflect light (cause it to bounce off); and refract light (cause it to change speed and direction). Different materials interact with different wavelengths (colors) of light in different ways.
Credits
Illustration
NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak (STScI)