What is Shadow? | Know Your Aptitude Class 3 To 5 - Class 5 PDF Download

Introduction

Shadows are created when light is obstructed by an opaque object, which does not allow light to pass through it. As a result, the light rays from a source cannot reach the ground directly, leading to the formation of a shadow. The size and shape of the shadow are determined by the positioning of the light in relation to the solid object. Shadows appear much darker than their surroundings. It's important to note that the shape and size of the shadow of a particular object may change depending on its position relative to the light source. Sometimes, the shadow of an object can be deceiving, like how an ice cream cone can create a triangular shadow.

What is a Shadow?

During school recess, whenever we venture outside to play, we often notice a distinct dark area on the ground, which takes the shape of our body – this is what we call a shadow. Shadows are created when a solid object is placed in front of a light source, causing the obstruction of light and resulting in a dark patch. The term "shadow" encompasses the concept of shade, formed by the absence or reduction of light due to the presence of an object blocking the light source.

Light and Shadow

• Light is the key component in the formation of shadows. 
• The light position, its intensity and distance from an object decide the kind of shadow that will be formed. 
• The light is placed very close to the object the shadow formed is very large. 
• Whereas, if the light is at a greater distance from the object the shadow formed is very small. 
• Shadow will always be formed behind the object. 
• Shadows are seen forming because of the sun and the light emitted from it. 
• The position of the sun changes throughout the day and thus the shadow length and size also change for everything on this planet. 
• Like early in the morning the shadows will be longer and a bit lighter in shade. 
• During the middle of the day when the sun is at the centre of the sky, the shadow is very small and also very dark. 
• And again post 2 p.m. in the afternoon the shadows begin to grow long and less dark.

How is the Shadow Formed?

• A shadow is formed by the combination of an opaque object, a source of light and a screen. 
• The light source emits light that falls upon a solid object, thereby casting a shadow which is basically darkness formed by the absence of light.
• That shadow falls upon a surface right behind the object.

Nature Shadow Drawing 

• There are always shadow patterns formed on the ground by the trees and buildings. 
• We need to choose an ideal spot where the shadows are very dark and distinct. 
• Once we find an ideal spot we can use a blank sheet of paper and place it on the ground and adjust its position to find the right image. This is called composition.
• Now, we need to work fast as the scene might change as soon as the sun moves. 
• So we quickly trace the outline of the scene formed on the sheet of paper. 
• The shadow portion is said to be the positive space in the image and the rest portions are the negative space.
• Now we can either shade it to our liking or use colours as well.

Some Interesting Facts

• The only celestial bodies that are able to cast properly visible shadows on Earth are the Sun, Moon and at times Venus or Jupiter.
• Shadows cannot be formed by any transparent object, such as glass as the light rays pass through them. 
• Shadow is the basic principle behind the first clock made by humans and is known as a sundial.

Summary

Shadows rely on light and adhere to the principles of light reflection. Throughout history, humans have utilized shadows for various purposes. The article covers the concepts of shade, light, and shadow. A prevalent application of shadows is in time measurement using sundials. The darkness of a shadow is influenced by the intensity of light, which, in turn, depends on the time of day and the sun's position.