Learn how light travels, how shadows form, and the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque objects.
Light travels in straight lines. A shadow forms when an opaque object blocks light, creating a dark area behind it.
Why does a shadow have the same general shape as the object blocking the light?
Because light travels in straight lines, so the blocked area behind the object mirrors the object's outline
What happens to a shadow's size as the light source moves closer to the object?
The shadow becomes larger
Transparent objects let light pass through clearly (like glass). Translucent objects let some light through but scatter it (like frosted glass). Opaque objects block light completely (like wood).
Classify a window pane, tissue paper, and a wooden door.
Window pane is transparent, tissue paper is translucent, wooden door is opaque
Why can you see clearly through a transparent object but not a translucent one?
Transparent objects let light pass straight through, while translucent objects scatter the light in different directions
1. How does light travel?
2. What causes a shadow to form?
3. Classify frosted glass — transparent, translucent, or opaque?
4. Classify clear water — transparent, translucent, or opaque?
5. Why are shadows always darker than their surroundings?