Light Illuminates Objects
Light Illuminates Objects is a Grade 4 science skill from Amplify Science (California), Chapter 2 on how light allows a Tokay gecko to see prey. Students learn that most objects do not emit their own light and can only be seen when an external light source illuminates them — the light travels in a straight line from the source, strikes the object, and makes it visible.
Key Concepts
Most objects in the world do not produce their own light. For these objects to be seen, they must be lit up by an external light source .
When light travels from a source in a straight line and strikes an object, the object becomes illuminated. Illumination is the necessary condition for visibility; without light striking an object, it remains in darkness and cannot send any visual information to an observer.
Common Questions
What does it mean to illuminate an object?
To illuminate an object means to shine light on it from an external source. When light strikes an object, the object becomes visible because it can then reflect that light toward an observer eye.
Why can we only see objects that are illuminated?
Most objects do not produce their own light. Without light striking them and reflecting toward our eyes, these objects are invisible in darkness.
What is a light source?
A light source is an object that produces and emits its own light. The sun, light bulbs, and fire are light sources. They illuminate other objects by shining light on them.
Where is this in Amplify Science Grade 4?
It is in Chapter 2: How does light allow a Tokay gecko to see its prey? in Amplify Science (California), Grade 4.