When objects block light, shadows are made.
Opaque or translucent objects can make shadows. Light passes straight through a transparent material. Therefore a transparent object does not make any shadow.
We can clearly see through transparent materials, because light passes through transparent materials in straight lines.
E.g. – Glass
We cannot see clearly through translucent materials. Translucent materials let some light pass through them by scattering light in all directions.
E.g. – Tissue paper
We cannot see anything through opaque materials, because they do not let light pass through them, instead they block the light.
E.g. – Wood
When an object blocks light, it makes a shadow.
A shadow appears the side of the objects furthest from the light source.
* An opaque material makes a dark shadow.
* A translucent material makes a faint shadow.
* A transparent material cannot make any shadow.
If an object is moved closer to the light source, its shadow gets bigger.
If an object is moved further away from the light source, its shadow gets smaller.
Sun is a natural light source which is very bright. You may see it move across the sky during the day. But what actually happens is the Earth is spinning and it just looks like the Sun is moving across the sky.
When the Sun is lowest in the sky, it makes the longest shadows. This happens at the beginning and end of the day.
When the Sun is highest in the sky, it makes the shortest shadows. This happens at midday.
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