Light Basics
Straight lines
Can you see into a dark room through a window? Why/why not?
No—without light inside, there’s nothing to reflect back.
Which type of material lets all light through?
Transparent.
What causes a shadow?
An object blocking light.
Word for when light bounces off a surface.
Reflection.
Name one factor needed to see an object
Presence of light or Reflection from the object
What happens when light is blocked?
A shadow is formed.
Give an example of a translucent object.
Frosted glass, wax paper, thin curtain.
Name a surface that reflects light.
Mirror, polished metal, glass.
What type of material is paper—transparent, translucent, or opaque?
Opaque (usually).
What do we call something that gives off light?
A light source
Which is easier to see: an object in direct sunlight or in the shade?
Direct sunlight (more light).
Which type of object blocks all light?
Opaque.
Why can you see yourself in water sometimes?
The surface reflects light back.
Why can a glass window appear black at night?
There’s no light on the other side to pass through.
Without light, what happens to visibility?
We cannot see anything
Why can you see your reflection in a mirror but not in a piece of paper, even though both reflect light?
A mirror has a smooth surface that reflects light in one direction, while paper has a rough surface that scatters light in many directions. (Translucent or Opaque)
A water bottle you can see through clearly is _______.
Transparent.
Why are mirrors good for seeing clear reflections?
They are smooth and reflect light directly.
Why do we see a rainbow after it rains, even though sunlight looks white?
Because sunlight is made of many colors. When light passes through water droplets, it refracts and separates into different wavelengths (colors), creating a rainbow.
What are the two things that can happen to light when it hits an object?
Bounces & Passes through
Give an example of when light can “trick” our eyes.
Reflections, glare, or distorted images through water.
Compare translucent and opaque.
Translucent lets some light through but scatters it; opaque lets no light through.
Which changes shape when you move closer or farther from the light source—your shadow or your reflection?
Your shadow.
Which is more important for seeing—light or the material of the object? Explain.
Both matter, but without light you can’t see at all.