Reflection

When light encounters a highly reflective object, its beams are redirected with very little disruption or distortion, much like the way sunlight can be reflected off the face of a watch.

Refraction

When light encounters an object with a wavelength different from its own, it passes through this object but is bent in a new direction, a new angle of throw. A classic example of this is when you try to grab something that you see under water, and miscalculate the objects position.

Diffusion

When the light that either encounters or passes through an object is scattered and redistributed. Think of how different the quality of the light is between a bare bulb and one with a lampshade over it.

Absorption

Absorption is the phenomenon of light being taken into an object that it encounters. A classic example of this is how a black shirt feels much hotter than a white one on a bright sunny day; the light is being absorbed into the object.

Not So Natural Occurences


The links below will take you to clip and images we made by intentionally attempting to re-create or disturb one of the four phases of light. These images were then used to create short edited clips.

Reflection

Refraction

Diffusion

Absorption