Question

In the given figure, a flower made of thick colored paper has been pasted on the transparent glass sheet. What will be the shape and color of the shadow seen on the screen?

\( S \) \( C \) \( R \) \( E \) \( E \) \( N \)

Answer 1

Rectilinear Propagation of Light

1. According to classical theory, light travels in a straight path.
2. Therefore, for an opaque object, these straight rays of light hit the surface of the opaque object that is exposed to light.
3. This forbids the light to travel beyond this object which forms a shadow.
4. Hence, a shadow is nothing but an area that light rays cannot reach.

Formation of Shadow

1. Since light is not able to reach a region of shadow, hence it is always dark in color.
2. Also, the flower blocks out the light from propagating further, therefore, the shadow will be of the shape of the flower.
3. Since the rest of the portion is transparent glass it will allow light to pass through.