Which is true of water?

Question

Which is true of water??  
A. Opaque to visible, transparent to UV  
B. Opaque to UV, transparent to visible  
C. Opaque to both  
D. Transparent to both

Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: (B)Opaque to UV, transparent to visible. 
Rationale: Water is opaque to ultraviolet light and transparent to visible light.Water allows most visible light to pass through, which is why it appears clear to the human eye. However, water absorbs a significant portion of ultraviolet (UV) radiation due to electronic transitions within its molecules. This absorption prevents much of the UV light from penetrating through water.A) Opaque to visible, transparent to UVThis description is the opposite of water’s actual behavior. Water is clearly transparent to visible light and does not block it, while UV light is absorbed rather than transmitted.B) Opaque to UV, transparent to visibleVisible light passes easily through water, allowing us to see through it. At the same time, water absorbs much of the ultraviolet spectrum, especially UV-B and UV-C radiation. This makes water effectively opaque to UV while remaining transparent to visible light.C) Opaque to bothIf water were opaque to visible light, it would appear cloudy or solid-colored. Since water is clear under normal conditions, it cannot be opaque to visible light.D) Transparent to bothAlthough water is transparent to visible light, it is not transparent to ultraviolet radiation. Significant UV absorption occurs, so this option does not accurately describe water’s properties.ConclusionWater appears clear because it transmits visible light, but it absorbs much of the ultraviolet spectrum. Therefore, it is transparent to visible light and opaque to ultraviolet radiation.

Which is true of water?

A
Opaque to visible, transparent to UV

B
Opaque to UV, transparent to visible

C
Opaque to both

D
Transparent to both

Water is opaque to ultraviolet light and transparent to visible light.

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Related Questions

Which is true of water?

A Opaque to visible, transparent to UV B Opaque to UV, transparent to visible C Opaque to both D Transparent to both

Water is opaque to ultraviolet light and transparent to visible light.

Topic Flashcards

Mini Quiz

Related Questions

A
Opaque to visible, transparent to UV

B
Opaque to UV, transparent to visible

C
Opaque to both

D
Transparent to both