Introduction to Light

When you close your eyes you cannot see anything because light cannot get into your eyes.

You could have seen chairs, desks, books, the teacher, other students, etc.

You wouldn’t be able to see where your family is, where food is or where the bed is.

You can put a flashlight by the bed or get a night light.

Some natural objects that give off light are the sun and stars. It is important to remember that the moon reflects light from the Sun. It does not make its own light.

Some objects made by people that give off light are flashlights, lamps, phone screens, TVs and computers.

Some example of light sources inside a home are lamps, television screens, and candles.

Some example of light sources outside the home are campfires, headlights, and lightning.

Some examples of natural light sources are the sun, stars and lightning. Some examples of light sources made by people are flashlights, televisions, cell phone screens, candles and car headlights.

Transparent means that light travels through an object. Some objects that are transparent are window glass, clear drinking glasses, air and water.

Translucent means that an object blocks some, but not all, of the light traveling through it. Some objects that are translucent are wax paper, tissues and sunglasses.

Opaque means that the object blocks light so that light cannot travel through the object. Some objects that are opaque are basketballs, wood, metal, trees and books.