Shadows and Reflection of Light

Study Notes

A shadow is an area where light is blocked by an object
Shadows are formed when an object comes in the way of light
The shape of the shadow is determined by the shape of the object and the position of the light source
Shadows can be used to determine the shape and size of an object

Reflection is the change in direction of light when it bounces off a surface
Types of reflection:
- Specular reflection: light bounces off a smooth surface, maintaining its original path
- Diffuse reflection: light scatters in different directions, creating a diffuse reflection
Reflection is responsible for the formation of images in mirrors and other reflective surfaces
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another
Refraction occurs because light travels at different speeds in different mediums
Types of refraction:
- Convex lens: light converges to a point
- Concave lens: light diverges from a point
Refraction is responsible for the formation of images in lenses and prisms

Transparency is the ability of a material to allow light to pass through it
Types of transparency:
- Transparent: light passes through the material with little or no scattering
- Translucent: light passes through the material, but is scattered in different directions
- Opaque: light is blocked by the material, forming a shadow
Transparency is an important property of materials in various applications, such as optics and photography

Light changes direction when it bounces off a surface
Two types of reflection:
- Specular reflection: light bounces off smooth surfaces, maintaining original path
- Diffuse reflection: light scatters in different directions, creating diffuse reflection
Reflection forms images in mirrors and other reflective surfaces
Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection, according to the law of reflection

Light bends as it passes from one medium to another due to different speeds
Two types of refraction:
- Convex lens: light converges to a point
- Concave lens: light diverges from a point
Refraction forms images in lenses and prisms
Refraction occurs because light travels at different speeds in different mediums

Materials allow light to pass through with varying degrees of scattering
Three types of transparency:
- Transparent: light passes through with little or no scattering
- Translucent: light passes through, but is scattered in different directions
- Opaque: light is blocked, forming a shadow
Transparency is important in optics, photography, and other applications