Properties of Light
Does light travel in straight or curved lines?
Straight lines.
What is reflection?
When light bounces off a surface.
What is refraction?
When light bends as it changes materials.
What is transparent?
A material that lets all light pass through.
You see a shadow on the ground. What happened to the light?
It was blocked.
Name one thing light can do when it hits a surface.
Reflect, refract, or be absorbed.
Name one reflective object.
Mirror, metal, glass, still water.
Why does a pencil look bent in water?
Light refracts from water to air.
What is translucent?
A material that lets some light through.
You see your reflection in a pond. Is that reflection or refraction?
Reflection
What type of energy is light?
Radiant energy
Why do mirrors show clear images?
They reflect light directly.
Name a tool that uses refraction.
Glasses, magnifying glass, lenses.
What is opaque?
A material that blocks all light.
What causes a rainbow?
Refraction of sunlight through water droplets.
What must happen for us to see an object?
Light must reflect into our eyes.
Is a shadow reflection?
No, shadows form when light is blocked.
What happens when light enters glass?
It slows down and bends.
Is wax paper transparent, translucent, or opaque?
Translucent.
How do sunglasses help on a bright day?
They absorb some of the light.
What is the fastest form of energy?
Light energy.
Why does a spoon distort your reflection?
Its curved surface bends reflected light.
A straw looks broken in water—reflection or refraction?
Refraction.
Why can’t you see through wood?
It is opaque.
How does a mirror let a flashlight beam hit a wall?
Light reflects off the mirror onto the wall.