HOTS Questions: Light, Shadow and Reflections | Class 6: Additional Practice PDF Download

Q1: In a completely dark room, can you see your face in a mirror? Why?
Ans: No, we can't see our face in a mirror in a completely dark room. Mirrors need light to show us things. When there is no light, the mirror can't send back any light to show our face.

Q2: Why are shadows black in color?
Ans: Shadows are black because they are places where light doesn't reach. When something blocks the light, that part looks dark. Since our eyes need light to see, we see the blocked part as black.

Q3: Can you see reflected light directly? If not, why?
Ans: No, we can't see reflected light directly. Reflected light goes in different directions, and it doesn't come straight to our eyes. We can only see things when light comes straight into our eyes. So, we see objects that the reflected light bounces off, not the reflected light itself.

Q4: Why can't we see an upside-down image of the sun?
Ans: We can't see the sun upside down because our eyes and brain work together to see things the right way up. Even if light from the sun comes at different angles, our brain makes sure we see it correctly.

Q5: Can you see an object through a "T" shaped pipe? If not, why?
Ans: No, we can't see an object through a "T" shaped pipe. The pipe blocks the light from reaching our eyes. We need light to see things, and if the light can't come to our eyes, we can't see the object.

Q6: What is a shadow and how is it formed? Explain with an example.
Ans: A shadow is a dark area formed when an object blocks light from a light source. When light rays from a source cannot pass through an object, they form a shadow on the opposite side of the object. For example, during a sunny day, if you stand in front of a flashlight, your body blocks the light, and a shadow is formed behind you on the ground.

Q7: Why do shadows change their size during the day? Explain the reason behind this phenomenon.
Ans: Shadows change their size during the day because of the changing position of the Sun in the sky. The Sun appears to move across the sky from east to west as the Earth rotates. In the morning and evening, when the Sun is closer to the horizon, shadows are longer. When the Sun is directly overhead (at noon), shadows are shorter. This change in the position of the Sun causes the length of shadows to vary throughout the day.

Q8: How is a reflection of light different from the formation of a shadow? Provide examples to support your answer.
Ans: Reflection of light involves the bouncing back of light rays from a surface. When light hits a smooth and shiny surface, like a mirror, it bounces back in a specific direction. This is how we see our own image in a mirror. On the other hand, a shadow is formed when light rays are blocked by an object, creating a dark area on the opposite side. For example, when you stand in front of a mirror, your image is a reflection. But if you stand in front of a wall, your shadow is formed on the wall behind you.