Cambridge Primary 5 Science: Light and Shadows This lesson quiz helps learners explain how light travels, how shadows form and how distance affects shadow size.
Use the model. How does light travel in a uniform material?
A
only in circles
B
in straight lines
C
only downward
D
randomly with no path
Explanation
Light travels in straight lines in uniform media.
What is needed to see an object?
A
air resistance
B
dissolved salt
C
light from the object entering the eye
D
sound entering the eye
Explanation
We see when light reaches our eyes.
Which object is luminous?
A
book
B
Moon
C
chair
D
Sun
Explanation
The Sun produces its own light.
Why can we see the Moon?
A
It reflects sunlight
B
It is transparent
C
It absorbs all light
D
It makes all its own visible light like a star
Explanation
The Moon is seen by reflected sunlight.
What is an opaque material?
A
a material that makes sound
B
a material that blocks light
C
a material that dissolves
D
a material that lets all light through clearly
Explanation
Opaque objects do not let light pass through.
What is a transparent material?
A
a material with no particles
B
a material that blocks all light
C
a material that lets light pass through clearly
D
a magnetic material
Explanation
Transparent materials allow clear images through.
What is a translucent material?
A
a material that conducts electricity only
B
a gas only
C
a material that blocks all light
D
a material that lets some light through but scatters it
Explanation
Translucent materials blur images.
How is a shadow formed?
A
An opaque object blocks light
B
Sound reflects
C
A force pulls upward
D
A gas dissolves in water
Explanation
A shadow is the dark region behind a blocker.
Which object makes the darkest shadow?
A
clean water
B
opaque card
C
thin tracing paper
D
clear glass
Explanation
Opaque card blocks most light.
What happens to a shadow if an object moves closer to a light source?
A
The shadow becomes a gas
B
The object becomes transparent
C
The shadow usually becomes larger
D
The shadow always disappears
Explanation
Closer objects block a wider cone of light.
What happens to a shadow if the screen moves farther from the object?
A
The shadow becomes sound
B
The shadow emits light
C
The shadow must become a solid
D
The shadow can become larger and less sharp
Explanation
Distance affects size and sharpness.
Why do shadows change during the day?
A
The Sun appears to move across the sky
B
Objects dissolve in sunlight
C
Air resistance changes colour
D
The Earth stops rotating
Explanation
Changing light direction changes shadow direction and length.
When are outdoor shadows often shortest?
A
at sunrise
B
around midday
C
at midnight with no lamp
D
at sunset
Explanation
The Sun is highest, so shadows are shorter.
Which surface reflects light best?
A
black rough cloth
B
dark sponge
C
smooth shiny mirror
D
muddy soil
Explanation
Smooth shiny surfaces reflect light regularly.
What is reflection?
A
water becoming gas
B
a solid melting
C
light being swallowed by sound
D
light bouncing off a surface
Explanation
Reflection changes the direction of light.
Which colour usually absorbs more light energy?
A
black
B
silver mirror
C
pale yellow
D
white
Explanation
Black surfaces absorb more light and reflect less.
Which investigation is a fair test of shadow size?
A
Guess from memory
B
Change object distance while keeping light and object the same
C
Use different objects every time
D
Change light, object and screen together
Explanation
Only one variable should change.
What is the independent variable in that test?
A
shadow size measured
B
same object
C
distance from light source
D
same lamp
Explanation
This is deliberately changed.
What is the dependent variable?
A
same screen
B
same object
C
same lamp
D
shadow size
Explanation
This is the measured effect.
Which summary is correct?
A
Light travels in straight lines and opaque objects form shadows
B
Shadows make light
C
Transparent objects always make darkest shadows
D
Light cannot reflect
Explanation
This explains shadow formation.