Light: Definition, Properties, Sources & Interesting Facts

What is Light in Science?

Let’s start with the basics: what is light in science?

In simple words, light is a form of energy that helps us see things. It travels very fast and moves in straight lines. When light falls on an object, it either gets reflected, absorbed, or passes through it. Because of light, we can see shapes, colours, and everything around us.

The light definition science gives is: Light is a type of energy that travels in the form of waves and can be seen by our eyes.

This is the simplest introduction of light for students: Light is a natural gift that lets us see the world clearly.

Read More: Heat and Temperature

Sources of Light

There are two types of sources of light:

1. Natural Sources of Light

These sources of light occur in nature. We do not create them.

• Sun – The biggest and most important natural source of light.

• Stars – They shine at night and give light, but they are very far away.

• Fire – Natural fires also produce light.

• Bioluminescent organisms – Some animals like fireflies and some deep-sea creatures produce their own light.

2. Artificial Sources of Light

These are man-made sources of light.

• Bulbs

• Tube lights

• LED lamps

• Candles and torches

All these sources of light help us when natural light is not available.

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Properties of Light

The properties of light help us understand how light behaves. Here are the basic characteristics of light in simple language:

1. Light travels in a straight line

This is why shadows form. Light cannot bend around objects on its own.

2. Light travels very fast

Nothing in the world moves faster than light. It is the fastest thing known to science.

3. Light gets reflected

When light hits a shiny surface, it bounces back. This is why we can see ourselves in a mirror.

4. Light gets refracted

When light passes from one medium to another (like from air into water), it bends.
Example: A pencil in a glass of water looks bent because of refraction.

5. Light is made of many colours

White light is not just one colour. It is a mix of 7 colours.

These simple characteristics of light help explain many real-life things around us.

Read More: Floating and Sinking

Colours of Light

We see many colours every day — red, blue, green, yellow and more. But where do they come from?

White light has 7 colours

When white light passes through a glass prism, it splits into 7 colours:
Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Red (VIBGYOR).

This shows that white light is a combination of many colours.

Primary colours of light

The main colours of light are:

• Red

• Green

• Blue

These colours mix to form other colours. This is why screens like TVs and phones use RGB light.

Read More: Difference Between Physical and Chemical Changes

How Do Humans Perceive Light?

Have you ever wondered how our eyes see things?

Here’s a simple explanation:

1. Light falls on an object.

2. The object reflects some part of that light.

3. This reflected light enters our eyes.

4. The eye sends signals to the brain.

5. The brain helps us understand what we are seeing.

How do we see colours?

If an object reflects red light, we see it as red.
If it reflects all colours, it looks white.
If it absorbs all colours and reflects none, it looks black.

This is how our eyes and brain work together to help us see colours clearly.

Read More: What is Mass?

Facts About Light

Here are some interesting facts about light for students:

• Light is a form of energy that travels in waves.

• Light travels faster than anything else — even faster than sound.

• We see lightning first and hear thunder later because light reaches us before sound.

• Light does not need air or water to travel. It can travel through empty space.

• Sunlight gives us heat, light, and helps plants make food.

• Shadows form because light travels in straight lines.

• A rainbow appears when sunlight splits into its 7 colours.

• Light helps us in many technologies like cameras, projectors, fibre-optic cables, and lasers.

These simple facts about light make learning about light more fun.

Also read: 5 Science-Backed Techniques to Improve Your Child’s Memory and Retention

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