Characteristics of a Shadow

You cannot make a shadow without these three essential components:

1. A Source of Light (like the sun, a bulb, or a torch).
2. An Opaque Object (an object that does not let light pass through it, like a wooden block or your body).
3. A Screen or surface (like a wall or the ground) for the shadow to fall on.

No matter what object is blocking the light, its shadow will always have the following properties:

1. It is Always Dark/Black: Regardless of the color of the object or the color of the light shining on it, a shadow is simply the absence of light. Therefore, the shadow of a red rose and a yellow rose will both be completely black.
2. It Only Shows the Outline: A shadow only gives information about the basic 2D shape (outline) of the object. It does not show details, textures, or features. (e.g., A shadow of a book and a shadow of a flat rectangular block of wood will look exactly the same).
3. It is Formed Opposite the Light Source: The shadow is always cast on the side directly opposite to the source of light. If the sun is in the east, your shadow will fall to the west.

The size of a shadow is highly variable and depends on the distance between the light source, the object, and the screen.

• Larger Shadow: Move the object closer to the light source (or move the light source closer to the object). The object blocks a wider angle of light rays.
• Smaller Shadow: Move the object away from the light source and closer to the screen.