Questions: Light Sources and Shadows

Question 1

Why does a shadow form behind an object?

• A. The object absorbs the shadow
• B. Light cannot pass through the object so it blocks light on the other side
• C. The object creates darkness
• D. Shadows come from the ground

Answer: (B)

Light travels in straight lines. When an opaque object blocks the light, it creates a dark area behind it where the light cannot reach — that is the shadow.

Question 2

Light travels in straight lines.

• T. True
• F. False

Answer: True

Light travels in straight paths called rays. This is why shadows have clear edges and why you cannot see around corners without a mirror.

Question 3

What happens to the size of a shadow when you move the light source closer to the object?

Model answer: The shadow gets bigger (larger).

When the light source is closer to the object, the light rays spread out more behind the object, making the shadow larger.