Observe: How do We Use Light?

Knowing how light can be transmitted, reflected, or refracted allows us to use light in many ways.


  • The use of mirrors to reflect light allows us to direct light where we want it to go.

  • Using various types of lenses to refract light allows us to focus and magnify images.

We are able to use certain chemicals that are sensitive to light to make paper that will produce an image when exposed to light (this is how film works in a camera).

Devices such as cameras, microscopes, and telescopes use light in these various ways so that we are able to see our world in a completely new way.


 Notebook: How do we use light?

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Check Your Answers

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Optical Device

What is the device used for?

What does light do in this device?

camera

Capturing images on film or as digital information

Light reflecting off objects comes through the shutter, is focused through the lens and on to the film.  When light hits the film, a chemical reaction produces the image.  In a digital camera, a CCD captures light as digital information.

kaleidoscope

Making pretty visual patterns Light comes through the tube and reflects off the objects and the mirrors in the tube.  As you turn the tube, the objects shift, producing various patterns as the light reflects off the mirrors.

telescope

Seeing things far away Light is collected and focused as it passes through the lens or it bounces off a mirror.  Then, it magnified as it passes through the eyepiece.

sun-sensitive paper

Producing images When light contacts the photo-sensitive chemicals, a chemical reaction occurs. An image is produced on the paper where the sunlight is blocked.

pinhole camera

Capturing images on film Light reflected off objects in front of the camera passes through the pinhole, and the focused light projects the image on the film.

microscope

Magnifying very small objects

Light moves through the lens and passes through the specimen that is mounted on a slide.  Then, the light moves through the objective lens, which magnifies the image seen through the eyepiece.