What is Opacity – Definition of the Concept

Definition of

Opacity

Opacity is the name given to the characteristic of opaque. The term, which derives from the Latin language (opacĭtas), is linked to the property of the materials that block much of the light.

The opacity, therefore, depends on the degree of light that passes through a material. When light is largely blocked, the material is said to be opaque. If the flow of light that passes is large enough, the material will be classified as translucent. And if the light passes through the material in its entirety, we are dealing with a material transparent.

Article Topics

  • corneal opacity
  • The term in colloquial language
  • Diesel smoke opacity
  • Related Topics Tree

corneal opacity

Within medicine, the term at hand is also used. Specifically, in this field of health we talk about what is known as corneal opacity. This is a problem that, as its name suggests, affects what is the cornea of ​​the eye.

More accurately we can say that it is a disorder of the cornea that occurs due to an infection, an inflammation in the eye, a dystrophy, a degeneration or an injury. What it basically means is that the person who suffers from it sees their field of vision significantly diminished and, depending on the severity of the case, can even perceive highly distorted images.

In these cases, the treatment applied to people who have this problem is none other than a corneal transplant. But this is in the most serious cases. When it is still a slight or superficial disorder, it will be enough to carry out what is known as phototherapeutic keratectomy.

It can serve you: Superficial

The term in colloquial language

Colloquial language warns the opacity of an object according to How does it stop the advance of light? that enters the visible spectrum. For example: if a man is sitting in front of a computer monitor in an office and the sun’s rays bother him when working due to the reflection they generate, he will want to use a curtain to block the light. Said curtain, therefore, will have to be opaque to meet the objective. The opacity will be confirmed by the person in question when you discover that the sun is no longer a nuisance.

On a more technical level, opacity is not measured according to the light that can be seen with the naked eye, but instead, various instruments are used that can analyze the passage of light. electromagnetic waves, ultraviolet or infrared radiation, etc. Opacity, in this sense, also appears associated with various environmental conditions and the temperature of the material, among other characteristics of the physical.

See also: Reflex arc

Diesel smoke opacity

In the case of the automotive sector, there is also talk of opacity. In your case, it must be said that when any car is passing the ITV (Technical Vehicle Inspection) it is also subjected to the well-known diesel smoke opacity test.

With this, what is tried is to verify that the fumes released by the car with a diesel engine comply with the legally established parameters, in favor of the protection of human health and the environment.

Continue on: Diesel