Light, Shadows and reflection
Light
Light is a form of energy that enables us to see.
Rectilinear propagation of light
Light takes the quickest path between any two points.
Therefore, light travels in a straight line. This is known as a rectilinear propagation
of light.
Sources of light
Natural source
It is found naturally - eg. sun, stars, fire, and electricity in storms.
Artificial source
It is man-made – eg. Candle, electric bulb and etc.,
Luminous and non-luminous objects
Luminous objects Non-luminous objects
Objects that emit light and heat on Objects that do not emit their own
their own are known as luminous light but reflect the light emitted by
objects. luminous objects are known as non-
luminous objects.
E.g.: Sun and other stars E.g.: Earth, trees
Types of objects
Objects can be classified based on their interaction with
light.
Transparent object Translucent object Opaque object
Transparent objects Translucent objects Opaque objects do not
allow light to pass allow light to pass allow any light to pass
through them without through them partially. through them.
getting scattered.
They do not cast shadows. They cast faint shadows. They cast dark shadows.
E.g.: glass, air, etc E.g.: Butter paper, E.g.: a table, a book, etc
frosted glass, etc
Shadow
A shadow is a dark region formed when the light from a source is cut off by an
obstacle.
Characteristics of a shadow
The shadows are always dark.
Shadows do not show the colour of the object.
The size of the shadow depends on the position of the object.
Pinhole camera
A pinhole camera is a simple optical device that forms an image without using
lens or a mirror.
The image formed by a pinhole camera is the proof for rectilinear propagation of
light.
Image formed by pinhole camera
The image formed by pinhole camera is real, inverted and diminished.
The image shows the colour of the object.
Reflection of light
The bouncing back of light after striking a smooth surface is called reflection of
light.
Types of reflection
Regular reflection- occurs in Diffuse reflection- occurs in rough
smooth surface. surface
Mirror: (plane)
A polished or smooth surface (as of glass) that forms images by reflection.
(Mirror diagram)
Characteristics of image formed by a plane mirror
The image formed is same size as that of the object
The distance from the mirror to the object and the distance from the mirror to the
image is same.
The image formed is laterally inverted.
The image formed is virtual and erect.
