Question 1

What is light?

Accepted Answer

Light is a type of energy that helps us see things. It comes from sources like the sun or a light bulb and travels quickly so we can see everything around us.

Question 2

How do shadows form?

Accepted Answer

Shadows form when something blocks the path of light. Since light travels in straight lines, if an object gets in the way, it stops the light, and a dark shape, or shadow, appears behind it.

Question 3

Why do shadows change size during the day?

Accepted Answer

Shadows change size because the sun moves across the sky. In the morning and evening, the sun is low, making long shadows. At noon, the sun is high, so shadows are shorter.

Question 4

Why can't we see in the dark?

Accepted Answer

We can't see in the dark because there's no light to bounce off objects and reach our eyes. Our eyes need light to work, just like a camera needs light to take pictures.

Question 5

What are colors in light?

Accepted Answer

Colors in light are different parts of the light spectrum, like a rainbow. When light is split, like through a prism, we can see all the colors it contains, such as red, blue, and green.

Question 6

How do rainbows form?

Accepted Answer

Rainbows form when sunlight hits raindrops and splits into different colors. The raindrops act like tiny prisms, bending the light and creating the colorful arc we see in the sky.

Question 7

Why is the sky blue?

Accepted Answer

The sky is blue because tiny particles in the air scatter blue light from the sun more than other colors. This scattered blue light reaches our eyes and makes the sky look blue.

Question 8

How does a mirror work?

Accepted Answer

A mirror works by reflecting light. When light hits a mirror, it bounces back, and that's why you can see your reflection in it.

Question 9

What is a prism?

Accepted Answer

A prism is a glass shape that splits light into different colors. When light goes through a prism, it bends and separates into a rainbow of colors.

Question 10

Why do objects look smaller far away?

Accepted Answer

Objects look smaller from far away because of how the light travels to our eyes. The farther the light has to travel, the smaller the object appears to us.

Question 11

What makes sunglasses dark?

Accepted Answer

Sunglasses are dark because they have special lenses that block some sunlight. This helps protect our eyes from too much bright light and makes it easier to see on sunny days.

Question 12

How do plants use light?

Accepted Answer

Plants use light to make food in a process called photosynthesis. They use sunlight, water, and air to create food and oxygen, which helps them grow.

Question 13

Why is the moon bright at night?

Accepted Answer

The moon is bright at night because it reflects sunlight. Even though the moon does not produce its own light, it reflects the sun's light, which makes it shine in the night sky.

Question 14

How do cameras capture pictures using light?

Accepted Answer

Cameras capture pictures by letting light in through a lens. The light hits a sensor or film inside the camera, creating an image of what the camera sees.

Question 15

What are optical illusions?

Accepted Answer

Optical illusions are tricks our eyes and brain play on us. They can make us see things differently, like lines that look bent when they are actually straight.

Question 16

Why does water make things look bent?

Accepted Answer

Water makes things look bent because it bends the light, a process called refraction. When light travels from air into water, it changes speed, bending the light and making things appear different.

Question 17

How does a flashlight work?

Accepted Answer

A flashlight works by using batteries to power a bulb. The bulb lights up, and mirrors inside the flashlight direct the light forward, helping us see in the dark.

Question 18

What are shadows made of?

Accepted Answer

Shadows are not made of anything; they are just areas where light is blocked. They happen when an object stops the light, creating a dark shape behind it.

Question 19

Why do some surfaces shine more than others?

Accepted Answer

Some surfaces shine more because they are smooth and reflect light better. A shiny surface, like metal or glass, bounces back more light than a rough surface, making it look brighter.

Question 20

What happens when light passes through glass?

Accepted Answer

When light passes through glass, it bends a little and slows down. This happens because glass is denser than air, which causes the light to change direction slightly.

The Mystery of Shadows: Understanding Light and Optics - 20 FAQs Explained Simply