Year 6 Science: Light sources and objects that reflect light
Part of the Year 6 Science how we see chapter. Chapter overview · whole chapter on one page
Light sources and objects that reflect light
A light source is something that gives out its own light, such as the Sun, a lamp, a torch or a candle.
Most objects do not give out light. We see them because they reflect light from a light source. The reflected light travels into our eyes, and that is how we see the object.
The table sorts six objects.
| Object | Light source or reflects light? |
|---|---|
| Sun | light source |
| Moon | reflects |
| Torch | light source |
| Mirror | reflects |
| Book | reflects |
| Candle | light source |
Key ideas
- A light source gives out its own light.
- Most objects reflect light from a light source.
- We see an object when light from it, or reflected by it, enters our eyes.
- The Moon does not give out light; it reflects light from the Sun.
Method. Read the second column.
- Read the column. The objects that say light source are the Sun, the torch and the candle.light sources
- Write the names. So the light sources are the Sun, the torch and the candle.Sun, torch, candle
- Write the answer. Sun, torch, candle
Check. The Moon, mirror and book reflect light. ✓
Method. Think about how light reaches the eye.
- Think about the source. The lamp is a light source, and it gives out light.lamp
- Think about the book. The book reflects light from the lamp into our eyes.reflects
- Write the answer. it reflects light from the lamp
Check. The book is not a light source. ✓
Method. Count the rows that say reflects.
- Count. The Moon, the mirror and the book reflect light.three rows
- Write the number. So three objects reflect light.3
- Write the answer. 3
Check. The other three give out their own light. ✓
Watch out
Watch out: a light source is not the same as a reflector. The Moon is bright in the sky, but it reflects light from the Sun; it is not a light source.
Exam tip
Exam tip. Say whether an object gives out light or reflects it, and then say how the light reaches the eye.
Try it (with your teacher, or a grown-up at home). Look around a room with a grown-up. Find three light sources, and three objects that reflect light. Say how you know which is which, without looking at the Sun or any bright light.
Exercise 8A Light sources and objects that reflect light
Method. Read the definition.
- Read the definition. A light source gives out its own light.gives out its own light
- Write the answer. light source
Check. A lamp is a light source. ✓
Method. Check the definition.
- Check the torch. A torch gives out its own light.gives out light
- Decide. So a torch is a light source, and the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. Torches are used in the dark. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The table says the book reflects light.reflects
- Decide. So the book does not give out its own light.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. The book reflects light from a source. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The Moon reflects light.reflects
- Write the name. So the object is the Moon.Moon
- Write the answer. Moon
Check. The Moon reflects sunlight. ✓
Method. Think about what the object does.
- Think about the object. It reflects light from a light source into our eyes.reflects
- Write the word. So we call it a reflector.reflector
- Write the answer. reflector
Check. A book is a reflector. ✓
Method. Read the table.
- Read the table. The table lists the Sun as a light source.light source
- Decide. So the answer is yes.yes
- Write the answer. yes
Check. The Sun gives out light. ✓
Method. Subtract the light sources from the total.
- Read the numbers. There are 12 objects, and 3 of them are light sources.12 and 3
- Subtract. The rest reflect light, so 12 minus 3 is 9.12 - 3 = 9
- Write the answer. 9
Check. 3 + 9 = 12. ✓
Method. Subtract the two counts.
- Read the counts. The class found 9 reflectors and 3 light sources.9 and 3
- Subtract. The difference is 9 minus 3.9 - 3 = 6
- Write the answer. 6
Check. 3 + 6 = 9. ✓
Method. Think about a mirror.
- Think about the mirror. A mirror reflects light from a source; it does not make its own light.reflects
- Decide. So Priya is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. Mirrors are reflectors. ✓
Method. Check the book.
- Check the book. The book reflects light from the lamp, it does not give out light.reflects
- Decide. So Mo is not right.no
- Write the answer. no
Check. The book reflects light into our eyes. ✓
Method. Think about the Moon.
- Think about the source. The Sun is the light source for the Moon.Sun
- Think about the reflection. The Moon reflects sunlight into our eyes, so we can see it.reflects sunlight
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says the Moon reflects light from the Sun, and the reflected light enters our eyes.
Check. The Moon is a reflector, not a light source. ✓
Method. Think about reflectors.
- Think about reflection. A reflector only sends back light that it receives.receives
- Think about the source. So without a light source, there is no light to reflect.no light
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says a reflector only reflects light, so it needs light from a source to be seen.
Check. Without light there is nothing to reflect. ✓
Method. Think about light.
- Think about the source. Without a light source, there is no light.no light
- Think about the eyes. So no light reaches the eyes from the objects.no light reaches
- Write the answer. Accept any sentence that says there is no light from a source to reflect, so no light from the objects reaches the eyes.
Check. Dark means the absence of light. ✓