Which type of material allows light to pass through but scatters it?

Translucent materials are characterized by their ability to permit light to pass through while simultaneously scattering it. This scattering effect means that while some light can get through, it does so in a diffused manner, preventing clear images from being seen through the material. Common examples of translucent substances include frosted glass or wax paper, where light is transmitted but not focused, creating a soft glow instead of a distinct image.

In contrast, opaque materials do not allow any light to pass through, which means there is no transmission or scattering of light. Transparent materials, on the other hand, allow light to pass through in a straight line without significant scattering, enabling clear visibility of objects on the other side. Reflective materials function by bouncing light off their surface rather than transmitting it, which also does not result in any scattering of light that passes through.

Thus, the defining feature of translucent materials is their scattering of light while still allowing some degree of transmission.