Book 13, Question 1 · Video
Why Does Light Travel in Straight Lines?
Light travels in straight lines unless something bends it, bounces it, or blocks it. That is why a flashlight beam looks like a stick of light. It is also why you cannot see around
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What Crafty Clover says in this video
Intro
Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why does light travel in straight lines?
The Big Idea
Light travels in straight lines unless something bends it, bounces it, or blocks it. That is why a flashlight beam looks like a stick of light. It is also why you cannot see around a corner!
Straight Ahead
Step one: light goes straight ahead. Light spreads out from a lamp or the Sun in every direction, but each tiny ray keeps going in a straight line. It never wiggles by itself.
Blocked Light
Step two: if something is in the way, the light stops. Straight rays cannot sneak around an object, so the dark space behind it is a shadow. That is how shadows are made.
Bent Light
Step three: light can be bent or bounced. A mirror bounces it, and water or glass can bend it. Between bends, light still goes straight. Light still never wiggles by itself.
A Closer Look
Let's take a closer look! A flashlight beam looks like a stick of light, because every ray goes straight. Builders sight along a line to check that things are straight. Around a corner, a wall blocks the rays. In water, light bends a little as it goes in.
Quick Facts
Quick facts! Light rays travel in straight lines. Builders use straight light to line things up. Light only seems to curve when it passes through water or glass. Never shine a light at anyone's eyes.
Think Like a Scientist
Now, think like a scientist! Poke a hole in the middle of three index cards. Stand the cards in a row and line up the holes. Shine a flashlight through, with a grown-up's help. Slide one card sideways and the beam stops!
Outro
Light travels straight, unless something bends, bounces, or blocks it. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!