Which word best describes a material that is incapable of being seen through, meaning that light does not pass through it and objects behind it cannot be clearly observed?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Opaque

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Vocabulary questions often test your understanding of precise English words that describe physical properties of materials. One such concept is the ability or inability of light to pass through a material. Materials that allow light to pass so that objects can be clearly seen are described one way, while those that block light are described another way. This question asks you to choose the word that correctly describes a material that is incapable of being seen through.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The phrase given is “incapable of being seen through.”
  • The options are “Transparent,” “Ductile,” “Opaque,” and “Portable.”
  • We assume standard dictionary meanings of these English words.
  • The task is to identify the word that matches the definition of blocking light and preventing clear vision through the material.


Concept / Approach:
In basic science and everyday English, materials are often classified as transparent, translucent, or opaque based on how they interact with light. A transparent material, like clear glass, allows light to pass so that objects can be clearly seen. An opaque material does not allow light to pass through, preventing vision of objects behind it. “Ductile” refers to a material’s ability to be drawn into wires, and “Portable” refers to something that can be easily carried. Therefore, the correct approach is to identify “Opaque” as the word that matches “incapable of being seen through.”


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Analyse the definition in the question: a material that cannot be seen through and blocks light.Step 2: Recall that “opaque” is used in science and everyday language to describe such materials (for example, wood or metal panels).Step 3: Compare this with “transparent,” which means the opposite: allowing light to pass through so that objects are clearly visible.Step 4: Recognise that “ductile” relates to the mechanical property of being drawn into wires and “portable” means easy to carry, neither of which refers to visibility.Step 5: Conclude that “opaque” is the only option that precisely matches the definition and select it.


Verification / Alternative check:
Verification can be done by thinking of examples: a wooden door or a concrete wall is opaque; you cannot see through it. A windowpane made of clear glass is transparent; you can see through it easily. A sheet of thin plastic that lets some light through but blurs objects is described as translucent, a word not listed among the options. None of the other choices capture this inability to transmit light, confirming that “opaque” is the correct vocabulary match.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A (Transparent) is the opposite in meaning; it describes materials that can be seen through. Option B (Ductile) refers to a material property related to stretching into wire form, as in ductile metals like copper, and has nothing to do with visibility. Option D (Portable) describes how easily an object can be moved or carried and does not relate to whether light passes through it or not.


Common Pitfalls:
One pitfall is to confuse “transparent” and “opaque” if you only vaguely remember that both words are used in science. Another mistake is to choose a familiar sounding word without checking whether its meaning fits the definition. To avoid such errors, it helps to memorise basic pairs of opposites like transparent versus opaque, and to link them to simple examples such as windows versus walls.


Final Answer:
The correct answer is Opaque, the word that describes a material which is incapable of being seen through.

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