Light Basics
What do we call the type of energy that we can see with our eyes?
Light energy
What part of the body allows us to see?
The eyes.
What does "transparent" mean?
Light passes through clearly; we can see through it.
What do we call it when light bounces off a surface?
Reflection
True or False: Light can travel through empty space.
True
What must happen for us to see an object?
Light must reflect off the object and enter our eyes.
What does "opaque" mean?
No light can pass through.
What do shadows need in order to form?
A light source, an opaque object, and a surface.
What do we call the straight path that light travels in?
A light ray.
This part of the eye focuses the light to help us see clearly.
The lens.
Frosted glass, wax paper, thin plastic, etc.
Why does your shadow change size during the day?
Because the Sun's position changes, changing the angle of the light.
What is the main source of natural light on Earth?
The Sun.
What structure in the eye changes size to control how much light enters?
The pupil.
It is absorbed and reflected.
What type of surface reflects light best?
Smooth and shiny surfaces.
Why can't you see anything completely in a dark room?
Because no light is entering your eyes.
What part of the eye sends messages to the brain so we can understand what we see?
The optic nerve.
Why does a translucent object look blurry?
Because it scatters the light that passes through.
If the light source moves lower, what happens to the shadow's length?
It gets longer.