6.5.2 Shadows PPQ

Louise is investigating shadows. She places a block on the floor. She holds a lamp and looks at the shadow the block makes. Which picture shows the correct length and direction of the shadow made by the block?

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Answer explanation

If you draw a straight line from the lamp to the edge of the block and beyond the block, it will tell you were the shadow will fall.

Why does a shadow form when she shines the light on the block?

• The block is grey and shiny.

• The block is smooth and rigid.

• The block is solid and opaque.

• The block is hard and transparent.

Answer explanation

opaque = light cannot travel through it

The data in the table shows: the ​ (a)   the distance between the ​ (b)   and the block, the ​ (c)   the length of the blocks shadow.

• larger
• lamp
• longer
• shadow

Susie measures the length
of Jack’s shadow at 9 am. Then she measures the length of Jack’s shadow at midday. Jack stands in the same position in the playground.

Which picture shows Jack’s shadow at midday?

 

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Answer explanation

At midday, the sun will be at the highest point in the sky, directly overhead. The shadow will be short and directly under Jacks feet.

Complete: A ​ (a)   forms ​ (b)   Jack because Jack is ​ (c)   : light cannot travel through him.

• shadow
• behind
• opaque
• infront of
• translucent
• solid

The class observed Jack’s shadow on a sunny day.Tick ONE box to show why the class should not do their test on a cloudy day.

• Jack's shadow is
  very dark.

• Jack's shadow is
  difficult to see.

• Jack's shadow does
  not change position.

• Jack's shadow is
  very big.

Answer explanation

Without a bright light source, it is often difficult to see shadows.

True or false? The colour of a car's shadow depends on the colour of the car.

• false
• true

True or false? You can tell if Julie's eyes are closed from her shadow.

• false
• true

True or false? The shape of the shadow depends on the shape of the object.

• true

• false

True or false: only light from the Sun causes a shadow.

• true

• false