R
Rishtaara
Science · Class 6

Light, Shadows and Reflections

Luminous objects, shadows, pinhole camera, and reflection from plane mirror.

4 sections15–25 min read6 MCQs · 2 examples

Chapter Overview

Light travels in a straight line (rectilinear propagation). Opaque objects block light to form shadows. Reflection from shiny surfaces follows laws that help understand mirrors and images.

Light and Shadows

  • Luminous objects emit light (Sun, bulb)
  • Transparent: light passes (glass); opaque: blocks (wood); translucent: partial
  • Shadow forms when opaque object blocks light
  • Umbra (dark) and penumbra (partial shadow)

Pinhole Camera

  • Light through tiny hole forms inverted image
  • Image is real and upside down

Reflection

  • Light bounces back from smooth shiny surfaces
  • Image in plane mirror is erect, virtual, same size
  • Lateral inversion: left appears right in mirror

Solved Examples

Step-by-step solutions — read each step before checking the final answer.

Shadow size

When is shadow longest — morning or noon?

  1. 1Sun low in morning → long shadow
  2. 2Sun overhead at noon → shortest shadow
  3. 3Shadow length changes with Sun position

Answer

Longest in early morning and late evening

Mirror image

You raise your right hand in front of a mirror. Which hand appears raised?

  1. 1Plane mirror shows lateral inversion
  2. 2Left appears as right in image
  3. 3Your right hand looks like left in mirror

Answer

Left hand appears raised in mirror

Key Points to Remember

  • Light cannot bend around opaque objects sharply
  • Shadow needs source, object, and screen
  • Moon is non-luminous — reflects Sun's light

Exam Tips

  • Draw ray diagram for shadow formation
  • Distinguish transparent, translucent, opaque
  • Explain pinhole camera image inversion

Practice MCQs — Light, Shadows and Reflections

Test your understanding with topic-wise multiple choice questions. Explanations appear after each answer.

Question 1 of 6Score: 0/0

Light travels in: