Chapter 2
Light, shadow and Reflection
Sources of Light
1. Natural: sources that have their own energy to create light.
For example Sun, stars
2. Artificial: The man-made sources of light are called artificial sources of light.
For example light bulbs, tube lights, torches etc
Classification of Light: On the Basis of Its Emission.
1. Luminous Objects: Objects that have light of their own are called luminous objects.
For example sun, torch, and candle flame.
2. Non-Luminous Objects: Objects which do not have light of their own.
Example: moon, rainbow, table etc.
Optical Media: Any substance through which light travels is called optical media.
1. Transparent Object: A substance through which light passes without any obstruction is
called a transparent object. Objects seen through them are clearly visible.
For example glass, water, air etc.
2. Translucent Object: A substance that obstructs some part of the light and the light
cannot pass through it completely is called a translucent object.
For example butter paper, etched glass etc.
3. Opaque Object: a substance that does not allow light to pass through it is called an
opaque object.
For example wood, metal etc.
Light
● Light is a form of energy
● Light is electromagnetic radiation
● Speed of Light: Light travels at an incredibly fast speed of approximately 299,792
kilometres per second (km/s) or 3 × 108 m / s in a vacuum. This is the fastest speed in the
universe, and nothing can travel faster than light.
Rectilinear Propagation of Light
● Light year: One light year is the distance travelled by light in one year.
It is used to measure the time taken by light to reach from stars to Earth.
● Light travels in a straight line in the form of rays
● This property is called rectilinear propagation of light
● A beam of light is made up of several rays
● The rays in a beam of light are parallel.
Shadow
● A shadow is the 'region of the absence of light'.
● As light travels in a straight line, the light obstructed by the object causes a dark region
with no light.
● A shadow is formed in the presence of a light source.
● Opaque and translucent objects which restrict the light to pass through them form a
shadow.
● Transparent objects do not produce a shadow.
Eclipses
● A shadow is formed in space which makes the sun or the moon invisible for some
duration.
● An eclipse is the phenomenon of overshading a bright object with another object.
Types of the Eclipse:
a. Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth, casting a
shadow on the Earth.
b. Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Earth comes between the Sun and the Moon, casting a
shadow on the Moon.
Mirrors and Reflection
Mirrors
A mirror is a smooth, shiny surface that reflects light.
Reflection
The phenomenon of light bouncing off surfaces is called reflection
Plane mirror
● A plane mirror does not allow light to pass through it.
● It is an opaque object
● A mirror has a smooth polished surface
● When a beam of light falls on the surface of a plane mirror, the rays get reflected,
● After reflecting the surface of the plane mirror the rays of light continues to travel
parallel to each other. That is why a clear image is formed on the reflecting surface.
● Rough surfaces do not form an image
● If the reflection of light is not regular, an image will not be formed. That is why a rough
surface does not form any image.
Pinhole camera
● A pinhole camera is a simple camera without a lens.
● It consists of a small box or container with a tiny hole on one side.
● The image formed inside the pinhole camera is upside down
● It doesn't use a lens, only a small hole.
How Does it Work?
1. Light Entry: Light from an object enters the box through the tiny hole.
2. Image Formation: Light rays travel in straight lines and create an inverted image on the
opposite side of the hole inside the box.
Making a Pinhole Camera
1. Materials Needed:
○ A small box (like a shoebox)
○ Aluminum foil
○ A pin or needle
○ Wax paper or thin white paper
○ Tape
2. Steps:
○ Cut a small square hole on one side of the box.
○ Cover the hole with aluminum foil and tape it securely.
○ Poke a tiny hole in the foil with the pin.
○ On the opposite side inside the box, tape a piece of wax paper.
3. Using the Camera:
○ Point the pinhole side towards a bright object.
○ Look at the wax paper to see the inverted image of the object.
