Understand how light travels in straight lines, how shadows form, and the basic laws of reflection.
A shadow forms when an opaque object blocks light travelling in a straight line, creating a dark area behind the object.
Why does a shadow have roughly the same shape as the object blocking the light?
Because light travels in straight lines, so the blocked region behind the object mirrors its outline
What happens to a shadow's size as the light source moves closer to the object?
The shadow becomes larger
When light hits a smooth surface like a mirror, it bounces back in a predictable way — the angle at which it hits equals the angle at which it bounces off.
What happens to light when it hits a mirror?
It reflects (bounces back) at an angle equal to the angle it arrived at
Why can you see your reflection clearly in a mirror but not in a piece of paper?
A mirror has a smooth surface that reflects light in an organized way, while paper's rough surface scatters light in many directions
1. What causes a shadow to form?
2. Why do shadows get longer in the early morning and evening?
3. What happens to light when it strikes a mirror?
4. Why can't you see a clear reflection in a rough, dull surface?
5. Does light travel in straight lines or curved paths?