1. Learn
  2. Quick Notes
  3. List
  4. Movement of Light
Back

Movement of Light

 
  • The properties of light is that it moves straight, can be reflected and can be refracted. Light is very important because it allows us to see the environment. These properties of light also provide many benefits to humans through various applications.
 
5.1  Movement of Light
 
  • Light travels from a light source in a straight line
 
Examples of situations where light moves in a straight line
  • Sunlight radiated through the trees

  • Spotlights on stage
 
Shadow clarity of object
  • Shadows are formed when a moving light is obstructed by an object
  • The clarity of the formed shadow varies according to the type of object that obstructs it, either:
  1. Transparent
  2. Translucent
  3. Opaque

  • Transparent is a characteristic of an object (for example, clear plastic) that allows all light to pass through it
  • Translucent is a characteristic of an object (for example, colored plastic) that allows some light to pass through it
  • Opaque is a characteristic of an object (for example, a manila card) that does not allow light to pass through it
 
Factors affecting the size of shadows

Two factors affect the size of the shadow

  1. Distance between an object with the light source
  2. Distance between an object with the screen

  • The longer the distance between the object and the light source, the smaller the size of the shadow.
  • The longer the distance between the object and the screen, the bigger the size of the shadow. 
 
Factors affecting the shape of shadows

  • The position of the light source makes the shape of the shadow different
  • The position/orientation of the object can also be changed to produce different shapes of shadows
 
 

 

The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of pandai.

Movement of Light

 
  • The properties of light is that it moves straight, can be reflected and can be refracted. Light is very important because it allows us to see the environment. These properties of light also provide many benefits to humans through various applications.
 
5.1  Movement of Light
 
  • Light travels from a light source in a straight line
 
Examples of situations where light moves in a straight line
  • Sunlight radiated through the trees

  • Spotlights on stage
 
Shadow clarity of object
  • Shadows are formed when a moving light is obstructed by an object
  • The clarity of the formed shadow varies according to the type of object that obstructs it, either:
  1. Transparent
  2. Translucent
  3. Opaque

  • Transparent is a characteristic of an object (for example, clear plastic) that allows all light to pass through it
  • Translucent is a characteristic of an object (for example, colored plastic) that allows some light to pass through it
  • Opaque is a characteristic of an object (for example, a manila card) that does not allow light to pass through it
 
Factors affecting the size of shadows

Two factors affect the size of the shadow

  1. Distance between an object with the light source
  2. Distance between an object with the screen

  • The longer the distance between the object and the light source, the smaller the size of the shadow.
  • The longer the distance between the object and the screen, the bigger the size of the shadow. 
 
Factors affecting the shape of shadows

  • The position of the light source makes the shape of the shadow different
  • The position/orientation of the object can also be changed to produce different shapes of shadows
 
 

 

The views expressed in the notes here are those of the contributor and don’t necessarily represent the views of pandai.
Chapter : Properties of Light
Topic : Light Travels In a Straight Line
Year 4 Science
Related notes

Report this note
Multi-Level Quiz Sets

Assess yourself by staged practices

Learn more
Register for a free Pandai account now
© 2025 Pandai.org All Rights Reserved

Quiz
Videos
Notes
Account