Shadows (from ReadWorks)

Shadows

(from ReadWorks)

​The shadow created by blocked light takes on the shape of the object. Can you guess the object or objects that are making the shadows in these images?

The size of a shadow depends on several different things. The closer an object is to a light source, the larger the shadow will be. If you move the same object farther away from the light source, the shadow will become smaller. So the size of the shadow changes, even though the size of the object does not. What makes the shadow larger or smaller is the distance of the object from the source of light.

Multiple Choice

What is a shadow created by?

• A. bunches of dust in the air

• B. blocked light

• C. too much light

• D. light that goes straight through an object

Multiple Choice

One thing that affects what a shadow looks like is the shape of the object that is creating the shadow. What is another thing that affects what a shadow looks like?

• A. how hot it is outside

• B. the other shadows around it

• C. its magical powers

• D. its distance from the light source

Multiple Choice

What is the main idea of this text?

• A. Shadows are caused by blocked light, and can be different shapes and sizes.

• B. Shadows are caused by light bending around objects.

• C. Shadows are caused by light bulbs.

• D. Shadows are caused by being closer to the light source.

Multiple Choice

Look closely at the image in choice A. How does this image support the information presented in the text?

• A. This is NOT the answer!

• B. It shows that the baseball is about to break the light bulb.

• C. It shows that the closer an object is to a light source, the larger the shadow will be.

• D. It shows that shadows are always round.