NCERT Class 7 Science Curiosity: Chapter 11 — Light: Shadows and Reflections
This chapter, 'Light: Shadows and Reflections' from NCERT's Class 7 Science Curiosity textbook, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of light. It begins with an engaging narrative about fireflies and moonlight, prompting questions about the sources of light and how objects become visible. The chapter defines luminous and non-luminous objects, explaining that the Sun is the primary natural source of light, while stars, lightning, and certain animals also emit light. It traces the evolution of artificial lighting from fire to modern electric sources like LED lamps, highlighting their efficiency and environmental benefits. The text emphasizes that objects like the Moon are non-luminous and shine by reflecting sunlight. This foundational understanding of light sources is crucial for comprehending phenomena like shadows and reflections, aiding students in their CBSE science learning.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 7 |
| Subject | Science |
| Book | Curiosity |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 — Light: Shadows and Reflections |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 549 |
Learning outcomes
- Identify natural and artificial sources of light.
- Distinguish between luminous and non-luminous objects.
- Understand that the Moon is a non-luminous object reflecting sunlight.
- Recognize the evolution of artificial lighting.
- Appreciate the benefits of LED lamps for energy conservation and the environment.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Luminous objects | Objects that emit their own light. |
| Non-luminous objects | Objects that do not emit their own light. |
| Artificial lighting | Light created by humans, such as from lamps or fire. |
| Light pollution | Excessive or misdirected artificial light. |
| LED | Light Emitting Diode, a modern, energy-efficient light source. |
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Practice questions
- What is the main source of natural light on Earth? Answer: The Sun.
- Give two examples of luminous objects. Answer: The Sun, stars, lightning, fireflies.
- Is the Moon a luminous or non-luminous object? Explain why. Answer: The Moon is a non-luminous object because it does not emit its own light; it reflects sunlight.
- What are some advantages of LED lamps? Answer: LED lamps consume less power, are brighter, last longer, and are better for the environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between luminous and non-luminous objects?
Luminous objects emit their own light, while non-luminous objects do not emit their own light and are visible by reflecting light from other sources.
Why does the Moon shine?
The Moon shines because it reflects the light of the Sun that falls on it. It does not produce its own light.
What are some natural sources of light mentioned in the chapter?
The Sun, stars, lightning, and certain animals like fireflies are mentioned as natural sources of light.
What is the earliest form of artificial lighting used by humans?
Fire was the earliest form of artificial lighting used by humans.
What are the benefits of LED lamps compared to traditional lamps?
LED lamps consume less power, are brighter, last longer, and are more environmentally friendly.
What does 'light pollution' refer to?
Light pollution refers to excessive or misdirected artificial light that can negatively impact the environment and wildlife.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 7 Science — Curiosity — Chapter 11 — Light: Shadows and Reflections. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.