Properties

of Light
Unit 10
 What are some other
surfaces that allow you
to see something
behind you?
What are some other light sources?
Do you know that some living things can give out
their own light?
 How Do We See Objects Around Us?

We are able to
see an object if
light enters our
eyes. They are known as light sources.
How Do We See Objects Around Us?
 How Does Light Travel from an
Object to our Eyes?
Light travels in a Reflection of light from
straight line different surfaces

Reflection of light
from mirrors

Periscopes
Light can be
reflected
Light travels in a straight line
Light coming out of light source tavels in a straight line.
Light can be reflected
Not all objects give out light. However, we
can still see these objects because light
from light sources bounces off them and
enters our eyes. When light bounces off
the surface of an object, we say that light
is reflected.
Reflection of Light from Different Surfaces
The amount of light reflected from different
surfaces is different. A smooth surface reflects
light in the same direction and it appears shiny
because since more light reaches our eyes. A
rough surface reflects light in different directions
and it looks dull since less light reaches our
eyes.
 Reflection of Light from Mirrors
We use mirrors to see objects we cannot
look at directly. Even though Joe is not
looking at Sue directly, he is able to see her
standing behind him.

This is possible because Sue’s body

reflects light from the lamp onto the
mirror. The mirror than reflects this light
into Joe’s eyes, allowing him to see Sue.

The mirror reflects light from Sue into Joe’s eyes

 Periscopes

A periscopes allows us to see objects that

we are not looking at directly. Periscope
consists of two mirrors to reflect light into
our eyes.
 Why the word
“AMBULANCE” is spelt
backwards on the front
of the vehicle?
Why Are We Able to See Through Some Objects but Not
Others
We can see through some objects clearly but not through others. This is
because different objects are made of different types of materials, which allow
different amounts of light to pass through them.
Why Are We Able to See Through Some Objects but Not
Others
These materials can be grouped into three categories, depending on the amount of light
that passes through them.

Types of Description Examples

Material
Transparent We can see clearly through transparent • Glass window
materials as they allow almost all light to • Clear plastics
pass through them.

Translucent We cannot see clearly through • Frosted glass

translucent materials as they allow • Tissue paper
only some light to pass through them.

Opaque We cannot see through opaque • Wood

materials at all as they do not allow any • Metal
light to pass through them.
 Walk around your house and look
far objects made of transparent,
transculent and opaque materials.
Group them into the three
categories.
glass window & frosted window
How are shadows formed?
s

An opaque object forms a

shadow when placed between a
light bulb and a screen. No light
can pass through the object to
reach that part of the screen and
it appears dark.