Flash Cards: Light: Shadows and Reflections

A luminous object is one that emits its own light, such as the Sun, stars, or a light bulb.

A non-luminous object does not emit its own light; it reflects light from other sources, like the Moon.

Transparent materials allow almost all light to pass through, enabling clear vision of objects behind them, like clear glass.

Translucent materials allow some light to pass through but scatter it, making objects behind them appear unclear, like frosted glass.

Opaque materials do not allow light to pass through; they block all light, creating shadows, like wood or metal.

A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks light from reaching a surface, creating a dark patch.

Opaque objects create darker shadows, while translucent objects produce lighter shadows.

Reflection of light is the bouncing back of light rays when they hit a reflective surface, such as a mirror.

Lateral inversion is the phenomenon where the left and right sides of an object appear reversed in a mirror image.

A pinhole camera is a simple camera that allows light to pass through a tiny hole to form an upside-down image on a screen.

A periscope is an optical device that uses mirrors to allow a person to see over obstacles or around corners by reflecting light.

A kaleidoscope is a device using mirrors to create beautiful patterns from light and reflected objects inside the tube.

Light can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted by different materials, which affects visibility and shadow formation.

Artificial light sources include electric bulbs, LEDs, and candles, which emit light using electricity or combustion.

LED lamps contain materials that can harm the environment, so they must be recycled or disposed of properly.

The Sun is the primary source of natural light on Earth, providing light for life and activity.

Light pollution can decrease firefly populations by disrupting their natural communication methods that rely on light.

As you move further from a mirror, your reflection appears smaller and the distance to the image increases.

A screen, such as a wall or cardboard, is needed to observe the shadow created by an opaque object blocking light.