scientific glossary

10 Light and optics terms

To revise the content’s vocabulary.

Illuminance
noun
the amount of luminous flux per unit area.
Example: As I am far from the lamp, the illuminance is very low.
pt_br: iluminância
light
noun
the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible.
Example: "the light of the sun"
pt_br: luz
Opaque
adjective
not able to be seen through; not transparent.
Example: This glass is with an opaque adhesive
pt_br: Opaco
Optics
noun
the scientific study of sight and the behavior of light, or the properties of transmission and deflection of other forms of radiation.
Example: Scientist observe those optics
pt_br: ótica
Penumbra
noun
the lightest part of the shadow
Example: The penumbra of this shadow
pt_br: penumbra
reflection
noun
the throwing back by a body or surface of light, heat, or sound without absorbing it.
Example: "the reflection of light"
pt_br: Reflexão/Reflaxo
refraction
noun
the fact or phenomenon of light, radio waves, etc. being deflected in passing obliquely through the interface between one medium and another or through a medium of varying density.
Example: IT is Refracting light
pt_br: Refração
shadow
noun
a dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
Example: "trees cast long shadows"
pt_br: Sombra
Umbra
umbra
noun
the innermost and darkest part of a shadow
Example: The umbra of the shadow
pt_br: Umbra