Sources and Properties of Light

We see things because of the reflection of light rays from the things. Light comes from different natural and artificial sources. In this concept, the students will understand how different sources sources of light and properties of light.

After reading the concept, students will be able to:

Recall the properties of light.
Answer what are luminous and non-luminous objects.
Identify sources of light in their surrounding.
Differentiate between Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Objects.
Quote difference between reflection and refraction.

Each concept is explained to class 4 students using descriptions, illustrations, and concept maps. After you go through a concept, assess your learning by solving the two printable worksheets given at the end of the page.

Download the worksheets and check your answers with the worksheet solutions for the concept Sources and Properties of Light provided in PDF format.

What is Light?

Light is a form of energy, and it travels as light rays in the form of straight lines. Light can travel through vacuum, which is why the Earth receives light from the Sun. Light rays also interact with different types of objects and materials.

Luminous and Non-Luminous Objects:

Based on the ability to emit light, objects can be classified as luminous and non-luminous objects.

Luminous Objects: The objects which can emit light are called luminous objects.

Example: , candle, bulb.

Non-Luminous Objects: The objects which cannot emit light are called non-luminous objects.

Example: Bricks, wood, coal, metallic objects.

Sources of Light:

All luminous sources of light can be classified into two groups—

Natural Sources: These sources have the ability to emit light on their own.

Example:

Sun

Stars

Lightening

Artificial Sources: These sources generate light artificially.

Example:

Light Blub

Torch

Candle

Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Objects:

Different types of objects interact with light differently based on the material with which the object is made. Some objects do not allow the passage of light through them, while others allow light to pass through. Objects can be classified into three categories based on their interaction with light—

Opaque Objects: These objects do not allow light to pass through them. The light gets either absorbed or reflected from the object.

Example: Chair, table, metal box, etc.

Translucent Objects: These objects allow only some amount of light to pass through them. So, all the things appear blurry when one sees through a translucent object.

Example: Frosted glass, butter paper, wax paper, etc.

Transparent Objects: These objects allow light rays to pass through them, and we can clearly see what is there on the other side of those objects.

Example: Glass bottle, glass window pane, etc.

examples of transparent translucent and opaque objects

Properties of Light:

Light rays travel in all directions from their source.

Light rays always travel in straight lines as long as nothing blocks their way.

Light moves at the fastest known speed in the universe.
Light has the ability to pass through vacuum.
Light is absorbed by certain objects and finally gets converted into heat energy.

Light gets reflected, i.e., it bounces off from the surface of an object.

Light gets refracted, i.e., the directions of light rays change when they pass from one medium to another, like from air to water.

$What is refraction$

New Words:

Vacuum: A space that does not contain matter, not even air.

Did You Know?

Dark colours absorb light, helping us stay warmer in the winter. However, in the summers, light colours absorb less of the Sun's heat, thereby keeping us cooler.
White light is actually a mixture of all colours, namely red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet.