Shadows: Formation and Objects

Introduction:  

Objects are of different types, such as transparent, translucent, and opaque. This classification of objects has been done by their ability to be see through. Transparent objects are completely see-through. Whereas opaque objects are not at all see-through. However, the translucent objects are partially see-through.  

Explanation: 

Shadows: 

Opaque objects block light falling on them, which leaves a dark area behind them, called the shadow.  

Opaque objects form the darkest shadow, as they block most light that falls on them. Translucent objects such as sunglasses, oil paper, tinted glass, colored plastics, etc., form a lighter shadow as they block some light that falls on them and let the rest pass through. 

Transparent objects form the lightest shadow or do not form a shadow at all. 

Questions and Answers: 

1. Classify the following objects on the basis of the shade of the shadow that they form. 

 

	Darker shadow	Lighter shadow	No shadow
1
2
3

Answer: 

	Darker shadow	Lighter shadow	No shadow
1	Book	Tinted glass	Clear plastic jars
2	Plastic jars
3	Chair

Summary

• A Shadow is a darker region alongside an object, which is formed when the object blocks light falling on it.
• Opaque objects from the darkest shadow as they block most light that falls on them.
• Translucent objects from a lighter shadow, as they block some light that falls on them and let the rest pass through.
• Transparent objects do not form a shadow at all.