Characteristics of Light

Have you noticed how sunlight can go through the glass windows of your house, while it cannot go through a solid wall? This is because of one characteristic of light, which is that it travels in a straight line. When this path is blocked, light forms a shadow. Light demonstrates other characteristics. It helps you see things and colors. It also bends, bounces back, and forms different colors.

Blocked Light Forms a Shadow

When light is blocked by an object, the object forms a shadow. A shadow is the dark shape that the object forms on its surrounding areas.

When objects allow little light to pass through them, they form light shadows. Examples of these objects are wax paper, onion skin, frosted glass, tinted glass, and sunglasses. These objects are said to be translucent.

When light cannot pass through an object, the object forms dark shadows. Such an object is called opaque. Some examples of opaque objects are foil, wood, metal sheet, book, pencil, and eraser.

When objects allow light to pass through them, they do not form shadows. These objects are called transparent. Examples of these objects are eyeglasses, drinking glasses, and plastic covers.