Substances that allow light to pass but diffuse it so objects cannot be seen clearly are called?

• A. Translucent
• B. Transparent
• C. Opaque
• D. Reflective

Answer: (A)

Substances that let light pass but scatter it so objects on the other side aren’t seen clearly are translucent. The light goes through but is diffused in many directions, creating a blurry view rather than a sharp image—think frosted glass or milk in a bottle. This differs from transparent materials, which transmit light with little diffusion and let you see through clearly (clear glass). Opaque materials block light entirely, so nothing is seen through them. Reflective surfaces bounce light instead of transmitting it, so you don’t look through them at all. The translucent case is the one that matches the description.