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Formula Sheet: Light: Shadows and Reflections

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Light: Shadows and Reflections – Formula & Equation Sheet

Essential formulas and equations from Curiosity, tailored for Class 7 in Science.

This one-pager compiles key formulas and equations from the Light: Shadows and Reflections chapter of Curiosity. Ideal for exam prep, quick reference, and solving time-bound numerical problems accurately.

Formula and Equation Sheet

Formula sheet

Key concepts & formulas

Essential formulas, key terms, and important concepts for quick reference and revision.

Formulas

1

Angle of Reflection = Angle of Incidence

This rule states that the angle at which light hits a reflecting surface (angle of incidence) is equal to the angle at which it reflects off (angle of reflection). Useful in understanding how mirrors work.

2

Speed of Light, c = 3 × 10⁸ m/s

Represents the speed at which light travels in a vacuum. It is fundamental in equations relating to optics and communication technologies.

3

Distance of Object = Distance of Image

In a plane mirror, the distance from the object to the mirror equals the distance from the mirror to the image, illustrating how reflections work.

4

Area of Shadow = Height of Object × Distance of Object

This formula provides insight into how the height of an object and its distance from the light source affect the size of its shadow.

5

Brightness = Power / Area

This expression showcases how the intensity of light diminishes as it spreads over a greater area, relevant when discussing brightness of light sources.

6

Refraction Law: n = sin(i) / sin(r)

Where n is the refractive index, i is the angle of incidence, and r is the angle of refraction when light passes from one medium to another.

7

Image Height / Object Height = Image Distance / Object Distance

This relationship describes how the sizes of images and objects relate in mirror systems.

8

Pinhole Camera Formula: h = H × d / D

Where h is the height of the image, H is the height of the object, d is the distance between the pinhole and the screen, and D is the distance between the object and the pinhole.

9

α (alpha) = tanθ

This expression relates the angle of elevation (θ) to the vertical height and horizontal distance in certain light path scenarios.

10

Illuminance (E) = I / d²

Where E is illuminance in lux, I is luminous intensity in candelas, and d is distance from the light source. This aids in understanding how light intensity decreases with distance.

Equations

1

V = fλ

Where V is the speed of light, f is frequency, and λ (lambda) is wavelength. This formula connects different characteristics of light waves.

2

Focal Length (f) = R / 2

Where R is the radius of curvature for concave and convex mirrors. This is crucial in lens and mirror calculations.

3

1/f = 1/v + 1/u

In lens formula, f is the focal length, v is the image distance, and u is the object distance, helping solve optics problems.

4

S = B × T

Where S is the shadow's area, B is the base area of the object, and T is the thickness of the object blocking the light.

5

Power = Voltage × Current

This expression relates to light sources, showing how electrical power is used to generate light.

6

n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂

Snell's Law of Refraction, where n₁ and n₂ are refractive indices of the two media, and θ₁ and θ₂ are the angles of incidence and refraction.

7

Visual Angle = Size of Object / Distance

This equation helps understand how size and distance impact what we perceive with our eyes, relevant in optics.

8

i = a + b (for shadows)

Where i represents the intensity of the shadow, a is the obscure angle, and b is the direct light angle.

9

Reflected Ray = Incident Ray + Mirror Surface Normal

A basic understanding of the projection of rays indicates the direction in which light reflects off a surface.

10

E = hf

Where E is energy, h is Planck's constant, and f is frequency. This is relevant in calculating the energy of light photons.