Shadows form
A shadow happens when an object blocks light. Light travels in straight lines and can't go through solid things like hands, books, or people. When light hits an object, the part behind it becomes dark — that's the shadow.
See worked examples
Zoe holds up a book in front of a lamp. What happens?
- A shadow forms behind the book. (right)
- The book gets colder.
- The light moves away.
Amara puts their hand in front of a sunny window. What do they see?
- Their hand gets cold.
- No shadow forms.
- A dark shape behind their hand. (right)
Felix stands between a flashlight and a white wall. What happens?
- The flashlight stops working
- The wall turns blue
- A shadow appears (right)
Tip: A shadow happens when an object blocks light. Light travels in straight lines and can't go through solid things like hands, books, or people. When light hits an object, the part behind it becomes dark — that's the shadow.
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