Opaque objects cast shadows because they...

Opaque objects cast shadows because they...

• A. Allow all light to pass through.
• B. Reflect light toward the viewer.
• C. Block light from passing through.
• D. Emit their own light.

Answer: (C)

Light travels in straight lines, so a shadow forms where those lines are blocked. Opaque objects don’t let light pass through; they absorb or reflect the light at their surfaces, preventing light from reaching the area behind them. That blockage creates the dark region we recognize as a shadow. If light could pass through, there would be no shadow; if an object only reflected light toward you, the area behind could still be lit; if it emitted light, it would illuminate rather than block light.

Light travels in straight lines, so a shadow forms where those lines are blocked. Opaque objects don’t let light pass through; they absorb or reflect the light at their surfaces, preventing light from reaching the area behind them. That blockage creates the dark region we recognize as a shadow. If light could pass through, there would be no shadow; if an object only reflected light toward you, the area behind could still be lit; if it emitted light, it would illuminate rather than block light.