Properties of Light

Luminous objects give off, produce or ‘emit’ light Luminous objects give off, produce or ‘emit’ light. Eg: the Sun, a light globe, the flame of a fire

Light travels in straight lines called light rays You cannot see a single light ray but you can see a beam of light which is made up of many light rays. Laser

Reflected light allows you to see non-luminous objects. Light can bounce off the surface of an object - this is called reflection. Reflected light allows you to see non-luminous objects. You can only see an object when light bounces off the object and enters your eyes Smooth, shiny surfaces have a clear reflection:

Shadows are places where light is “blocked”: Rays of light

Light can also be reflected from particles within substances which is referred to as the scattering of light. Rough, dull surfaces have a diffuse reflection. Diffuse reflection is when light is scattered in different directions

Light can pass through substances. If most of the light travels or is transmitted through a substance, its surface is said to be transparent, allowing you to clearly see objects on the other side.

If only some of the light travels through the substance, the surface is translucent, allowing you to detect the presence of objects on the other side but you won’t be able to see them clearly.

If no light travels through a substance, the surface is opaque, and you will not be able to see through it.