Chapter 11: Light, shadows and reflections
These NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 11 notes explain the role of light in helping us see objects. The chapter introduces students to luminous and non-luminous objects and how light behaves when it falls on different materials.
NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 11 – Light, Shadows and Reflections helps students understand the formation of shadows, working of a pinhole camera, and the concept of reflection using a plane mirror. It also explains lateral inversion with daily life examples.
This chapter builds the base for understanding optics and light-related phenomena.
1. Meaning of light
- Light helps us to see objects around us
- Without light, our eyes cannot see anything
- Light makes objects visible
- Light travels from a source to our eyes
- We cannot see objects in a dark room
2. Luminous and non-luminous objects
- Luminous objects give out their own light
- Examples of luminous objects are Sun, bulb, candle
- Non-luminous objects do not produce light
- Non-luminous objects are seen when light falls on them
- Moon, chair, book are non-luminous objects
3. Transparent, translucent and opaque objects
- Transparent objects allow light to pass completely
- Clear glass is a transparent object
- Translucent objects allow partial light to pass
- Butter paper is a translucent object
- Opaque objects like wood and stone do not allow light
4. Shadow
- A shadow is formed when light is blocked
- Shadow is formed by an opaque object
- A shadow is always dark
- Shape of shadow depends on the shape of the object
- Position of shadow changes with light source
5. Pinhole camera
- Pinhole camera is a simple device to see images
- It works on straight-line travel of light
- Image formed in pinhole camera is real
- The image formed is inverted
- It is an important NCERT activity
6. Reflection of light
- Reflection means bouncing back of light
- Reflection occurs when light falls on a shiny surface
- Plane mirror is a flat mirror
- Image formed in plane mirror is virtual and erect
- Image formed is of the same size
7. Lateral inversion
- Lateral inversion means left appears as right
- Right side appears as left
- This happens in a plane mirror
- Letters appear reversed in mirror
- Ambulance is written in reverse to read correctly in mirrors
8. Sun and shadows
- Shadow length changes during the day
- Shadow is shortest at noon
- Shadow is longest in morning
- Shadow is also long in the evening
- Position of Sun affects shadow length
9. Importance of this chapter
- Helps understand how we see objects
- Explains behaviour of light
- Builds base for optics
- Important for learning physics
- Useful for NCERT, BPSC, and UPSC foundation
10. Important keywords and definitions
- Light: Form of energy that helps us see objects
- Luminous: Object that produces its own light
- Non-luminous: Object that does not produce light
- Shadow: Dark area formed when light is blocked
- Reflection: Bouncing back of light from a surface
- Plane mirror: Flat mirror that forms virtual image
- Lateral inversion: Left-right reversal of image in mirror
Understanding NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 11 is important to learn how light travels, reflects, and forms shadows. The chapter connects science concepts with everyday observations.
The ideas discussed in Light, Shadows and Reflections prepare students for advanced learning in physics and optics.
Continue reading NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 12 – Electricity and Circuits to understand basic electrical concepts.
FAQs
Q1. What is light according to NCERT Class 6 Science Chapter 11?
Light is a form of energy that helps us see objects.
Q2. What are luminous objects?
Luminous objects are objects that produce their own light.
Q3. How is a shadow formed?
A shadow is formed when light is blocked by an opaque object.
Q4. What is lateral inversion?
Lateral inversion is the left-right reversal of an image in a plane mirror.
Q5. Why is this chapter important for exams?
It explains basic concepts of light and reflection, useful for school exams and BPSC foundation.