CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 11: Light, Shadows and Reflections NCERT Solutions
This chapter delves into the fundamental concepts of light, shadows, and reflections, crucial for understanding the visual world around us. The NCERT Solutions for Class 6 Science, Chapter 11, provide clear explanations and step-by-step answers to the exercises. Students will learn to differentiate between opaque, transparent, and translucent materials, identify luminous and non-luminous objects, and understand how shadows are formed. The solutions also explore the nature of reflections in mirrors and how objects can cast different shadow shapes. These solutions are designed to reinforce learning, clarify doubts, and aid students in their exam preparation by offering a structured approach to mastering the chapter's content.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 6 |
| Subject | Science |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 11 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 11 of the NCERT Class 6 Science textbook focuses on Light, Shadows, and Reflections. The exercises cover classifying objects based on their interaction with light (opaque, transparent, translucent) and their light-emitting properties (luminous, non-luminous). It also touches upon the formation of shadows and how the shape of an object and its orientation can affect the shadow's shape. The solutions provide clear answers to these classification and conceptual questions, helping students grasp the basic principles of light and vision.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the formation of shadows by opaque objects.
- Classify objects as opaque, transparent, or translucent.
- Differentiate between luminous and non-luminous objects.
- Explain the role of light in seeing reflections.
- Recognize how object shape influences shadow shape.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Light
- Shadows
- Reflections
- Opaque Objects
- Transparent Objects
- Translucent Objects
- Luminous Objects
- Non-luminous Objects
- Formation of Shadows
- Mirror Reflection
Important topics
- Classification of Objects (Opaque, Transparent, Translucent)
- Luminous vs. Non-luminous Objects
- Shadow Formation
- Role of Light in Vision and Reflection
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Question 1
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SHAD
To understand how opaque objects behave, we need to arrange the given letters and words to form a meaningful sentence about them. The words provided are jumbled and need to be put in the correct order.
The correct arrangement of the given boxes forms the sentence:
OPAQUE OBJECTS MAKE SHADOWS
This sentence explains a key characteristic of opaque objects: they are responsible for creating shadows when light falls on them.
Question 2
Air, water, a piece of rock, a sheet of aluminium, a mirror, a wooden board, a sheet of polythene, a CD, smoke, a sheet of plane glass, fog, a piece of red hot iron, an umbrella, a lighted fluorescent tube, a wall, a sheet of carbon paper, the flame of a gas burner, a sheet of cardboard, a lighted torch, a sheet of cellophane, a wire mesh, kerosene stove, sun, firefly, moon.
We can classify the given objects and materials based on how they interact with light. Objects can be opaque (block light), transparent (allow light to pass through), or translucent (allow some light to pass through). Additionally, objects can be luminous (produce their own light) or non-luminous (do not produce their own light).
Here is the classification:
Opaque Objects (Block light):
- A piece of rock
- A sheet of aluminium
- A mirror
- A wooden board
- A CD
- An umbrella
- A wall
- A sheet of carbon paper
- A sheet of cardboard
- Kerosene stove
- Moon (reflects light, but is opaque)
Transparent Objects (Allow light to pass through clearly):
- Air
- Water
- A sheet of plane glass
Translucent Objects (Allow some light to pass through):
- A sheet of polythene
- Smoke
- Fog
- A sheet of cellophane
- A wire mesh
Luminous Objects (Produce their own light):
- A piece of red hot iron
- A lighted fluorescent tube
- The flame of a gas burner
- A lighted torch
- Sun
- Firefly
Non-luminous Objects (Do not produce their own light):
- Air
- Water
- A piece of rock
- A sheet of aluminium
- A mirror
- A wooden board
- A sheet of polythene
- A CD
- Smoke
- A sheet of plane glass
- Fog
- An umbrella
- A wall
- A sheet of carbon paper
- A sheet of cardboard
- A sheet of cellophane
- A wire mesh
- Kerosene stove
- Moon
Question 3
Yes, it is possible to create a shape that casts different shadow shapes depending on its orientation. A common example of such an object is a cylinder.
When a cylinder is held such that its circular base is facing the light source directly, the shadow cast will be circular. This is because the light is blocked by the circular face.
However, if the cylinder is held such that its curved side is facing the light source, the shadow cast will be rectangular. In this orientation, the light is blocked by the length of the cylinder, creating a rectangular outline for the shadow.
Question 4
No, you will not see a reflection of yourself in the mirror if you are in a completely dark room. To see any reflection, there must be a source of light present. Light rays from an object (like yourself) need to strike the mirror and then reflect off it towards your eyes. In a completely dark room, there is no light, so no reflection can be formed or observed.
Common mistakes
- Confusing translucent and transparent materials.
- Incorrectly classifying objects as luminous or non-luminous.
- Not considering the need for a light source to see reflections.
- Assuming shadow shape is always identical to object shape.
Revision tips
- Create a chart classifying various objects as opaque, transparent, or translucent.
- Perform simple experiments with a torch and different objects to observe shadow formation.
- Review the definitions of luminous and non-luminous objects.
- Practice identifying the type of shadow cast by different shapes (e.g., a flat sheet vs. a cylinder).
Practice MCQs
Q1. Which of the following objects will cast a shadow?
Explanation: Opaque objects block light and therefore cast shadows. A wooden block is opaque, while glass of water, paper, and clear plastic are either transparent or translucent.
Q2. Which of these is a luminous object?
Explanation: Luminous objects produce their own light. A firefly produces light, whereas the moon, mirror, and wall reflect light.
Q3. An object that allows some light to pass through it but not clearly is called:
Explanation: Translucent objects allow only partial light to pass through, making objects behind them appear blurry. Opaque objects block light, and transparent objects allow light to pass through clearly.
Q4. What is required to see a reflection in a mirror?
Explanation: A source of light is essential for reflection to occur and for us to see our image in a mirror.
Q5. A CD is classified as:
Explanation: A CD does not allow light to pass through it, making it an opaque object, although it can reflect light.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main topics covered in CBSE Class 6 Science Chapter 11?
Chapter 11 covers the concepts of light, how shadows are formed, and reflections. It also involves classifying objects based on whether they are opaque, transparent, or translucent, and whether they are luminous or non-luminous.
How do these NCERT Solutions help students?
These solutions provide clear, step-by-step answers to the chapter's exercises, helping students understand the concepts of light, shadows, and reflections better and prepare effectively for their exams.
What is the difference between transparent and translucent objects?
Transparent objects allow light to pass through them completely, so you can see clearly through them (like clear glass). Translucent objects allow only some light to pass through, making objects behind them appear blurry (like fog or a sheet of polythene).
Why are opaque objects important for shadow formation?
Opaque objects block light completely. When light falls on an opaque object, it cannot pass through, creating a dark area behind it, which we call a shadow.
Can you see a reflection in a mirror in complete darkness?
No, you cannot see a reflection in a mirror in complete darkness because there is no light to reflect off the mirror and reach your eyes.
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