Question

Which best defines transparent and provides an example of a material that is transparent to light?

a. the ability to absorb light; for example, a photovoltaic cell
b. the ability to refract light; for example, a prism
c. the ability to reflect light; for example, a shiny metal object
d. the ability to transmit light; for example, air

Answer 1

The answer is d. the ability to transmit light; for example, air

Transparency means allowing light to pass through the material. Thus, the transparent material must be able to transmit light. Air is transparent. It is a gas containing very few atoms, so light run into few of them and thereby air looks transparent.