Pragya-class 8th Science
Chapter 16: Light
Light is an essential part of our daily lives and a fundamental concept in science. It enables us to see the
world, drives natural processes like photosynthesis, and plays a pivotal role in communication and
technology. In this chapter, we will explore light comprehensively, including its nature, properties,
interactions with objects, applications, and its role in vision. Each section includes detailed explanations
and examples to ensure you grasp the concepts fully.
16.1 Introduction to Light
16.1.1 What is Light?
Definition of Light:
Light is a form of energy that allows us to see objects. Scientifically, light is a type of electromagnetic
wave, consisting of electric and magnetic fields oscillating perpendicular to each other and the direction
of wave propagation.
Unique Properties of Light:
● Electromagnetic Nature: Light does not require a medium to travel and can move through the
vacuum of space.
● Dual Nature: Light exhibits both wave-like (diffraction, interference) and particle-like
(photoelectric effect) behavior, a concept known as wave-particle duality.
Luminous and Non-Luminous Objects:
● Luminous Objects: These objects produce their own light. Examples:
o The Sun, which is a natural luminous object.
o An electric bulb, which is an artificial luminous object.
● Non-Luminous Objects: These objects do not emit light on their own. We can see them because
they reflect light from luminous sources. Examples: the Moon, a car, and plants.
Sources of Light:
1. Natural Sources:
o The Sun: The most significant natural light source.
o Fireflies: Produce light using chemical reactions (bioluminescence).
2. Artificial Sources:
o Incandescent bulbs: Produce light by heating a filament.
o LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes): Efficient, long-lasting light sources.
16.1.2 Importance of Light
1. Vision and Its Role in Daily Life:
Light is essential for vision. The human eye detects light reflected or emitted by objects, enabling
us to perceive shapes, colors, and motion. Without light, the world would be in complete darkness.
Example: When you look at a tree, sunlight or artificial light reflects off the tree and enters your
eyes, allowing you to see it.
2. Role of Light in Photosynthesis:
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert sunlight into food. The green pigment
chlorophyll absorbs sunlight, helping plants create glucose and oxygen. This process is the
foundation of life on Earth.
Example: Plants like wheat and rice use sunlight to grow, providing food for humans and
animals.
3. Light in Communication:
Modern communication relies heavily on light. Optical fibers transmit data in the form of light
signals, enabling high-speed internet, cable TV, and telephone services.
Example: The internet you use at home is powered by light traveling through optical fiber cables.
4. Light in Technology:
Light is used in various fields, such as:
pg. 1 By Nitish mishra sir
Pragya-class 8th Science
o Lasers: For surgeries, cutting metals, and scanning barcodes.
o Photography: Cameras capture light to create images.
o Holography: Used to create 3D images for security and entertainment.
16.2 Properties of Light
16.2.1 Reflection of Light
Definition:
Reflection occurs when light strikes a surface and bounces back into the same medium.
Laws of Reflection:
1. The angle of incidence (the angle between the incident ray and the normal) is equal to the angle of
reflection (the angle between the reflected ray and the normal).
2. The incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal all lie in the same plane.
Types of Mirrors and Image Formation:
1. Plane Mirrors:
o A flat, smooth surface.
o Forms virtual, upright images of the same size as the object.
o Example: The mirror in your bathroom.
2. Concave Mirrors:
o A mirror curved inward (like the inside of a bowl).
o Forms real and inverted images when the object is far and virtual, enlarged images when
the object is near.
o Example: Used in torches and shaving mirrors.
3. Convex Mirrors:
o A mirror curved outward.
o Always forms virtual, upright, and smaller images.
o Example: Used as rear-view mirrors in vehicle.
Convex mirror
Nature of
Position of Object Size of Image
Image
At infinity Highly diminished (point-like) Virtual, upright
Between infinity and Diminished (smaller than
Virtual, upright
pole object)
Concave Mirror
Nature of
Position of Object Size of Image
Image
At infinity Highly diminished (point-like) Real, inverted
Beyond center of curvature Diminished (smaller than object) Real, inverted
At center of curvature (C) Same size as the object Real, inverted
Between center (C) and
Magnified (larger than object) Real, inverted
focus
Highly magnified (approaches
At focus (F) Real, inverted
infinity)
Between focus (F) and pole Magnified (larger than object) Virtual, upright
Applications of Reflection:
Kaleidoscope, Periscope, and Multiple Image Formation by Mirrors
Mirrors have fascinating applications in daily life and science, enabling us to create beautiful patterns,
view objects around obstacles, and produce multiple reflections. In this section, we will explore the
working principles and applications of three intriguing mirror-based devices: kaleidoscope, periscope,
and the phenomenon of multiple image formation.
pg. 2 By Nitish mishra sir
Pragya-class 8th Science
Kaleidoscope
Definition:
A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument that uses multiple plane mirrors to produce beautiful, symmetrical
patterns. It works on the principle of multiple reflections.
Structure of a Kaleidoscope:
1. Tube: The kaleidoscope consists of a long, hollow, cylindrical tube.
2. Mirrors: Inside the tube, three rectangular plane mirrors are placed at an angle of 60 degrees to
each other, forming a triangular prism.
3. Object Chamber: One end of the tube has a chamber containing small, colorful objects like
beads, glass pieces, or flowers.
4. Viewing Hole: The opposite end has a small hole through which a viewer looks into the device.
Working Principle:
When light enters the object chamber, it strikes the mirrors and undergoes multiple reflections. These
reflections create numerous symmetrical patterns as the light bounces off the mirrors repeatedly. Rotating
the kaleidoscope changes the arrangement of objects in the chamber, producing new patterns.
Applications of Kaleidoscope:
1. Designing Patterns: Kaleidoscopes are used by artists, architects, and designers to create
intricate, decorative patterns.
2. Entertainment: They are popular toys for children, providing a source of amusement and
wonder.
Periscope
Definition:
A periscope is an optical device that allows users to see objects that are not directly visible, such as those
behind obstacles or underwater.
Structure of a Periscope:
1. Tube: The periscope is made of a long, hollow tube.
2. Mirrors: Two plane mirrors are placed at each end of the tube at an angle of 45 degrees to the
axis of the tube.
3. Openings: The tube has two openings, one for viewing and the other for capturing light from the
object.
Working Principle:
Light from the object enters the top opening of the periscope and strikes the first mirror. The mirror
reflects the light downward along the length of the tube. The second mirror, positioned at the bottom,
reflects the light toward the viewer's eye.
Applications of Periscope:
1. Submarines: Used to observe the surface of the water while remaining submerged.
2. Military: Helps soldiers see over walls or trenches without exposing themselves.
3. Science: Enables observations in areas that are difficult to access directly.
Multiple Image Formation by Mirrors
Definition:
When two or more plane mirrors are placed at an angle to each other, multiple images of an object can be
formed due to repeated reflection between the mirrors.
pg. 3 By Nitish mishra sir
Pragya-class 8th Science
Working Principle:
1. Single Plane Mirror: A single plane mirror forms one virtual image of an object.
2. Two Plane Mirrors at an Angle: When two plane mirrors are placed at an angle (θ) to each
other, the number of images formed is given by the formula: N=(360/θ)−1
o Example 1: If the angle between the mirrors is 90∘:
o N=(360∘/90∘ )−1= 4−1=3 images.
o Example 2: If the angle is 60∘
o N=(360/60∘ )−1= 6−1=5 images.
Applications of Multiple Image Formation:
1. Barbershops and Salons: Two mirrors placed at an angle help customers view the back of their
head.
2. Decorative Items: Mirrors in decorative pieces or art installations create mesmerizing patterns of
multiple reflections.
3. Scientific Instruments: Devices like kaleidoscopes and microscopes use the principle of multiple
reflections for specific purposes.
16.2.2 Refraction of Light
Definition:
Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium to another (e.g., from air to
water).
Laws of Refraction:
1. The incident ray, refracted ray, and the normal all lie in the same plane.
2. The ratio of the sine of the angle of incidence to the sine of the angle of refraction is constant for a
given pair of media (Snell's Law).
Refractive Index:
It is a measure of how much a medium can bend light. A higher refractive index indicates greater
bending.
Applications of Refraction:
● Lenses: Convex lenses converge light and are used in magnifying glasses, while concave lenses
diverge light and are used in spectacles for myopia.
Here are the tables for Convex Lens and Concave Lens, showing the relationship between the size of the
object, size of the image, and nature of the image:
Table: Convex Lens
Position of Nature of
Size of Image Description
Object Image
Highly diminished Real,
At infinity Light rays converge at the focus of the lens.
(point-sized) inverted
Real, The image is smaller than the object and forms
Beyond 2F Diminished
inverted between F and 2F on the other side of the lens.
Real, The image forms at 2F on the other side of the
At 2F Same size as object
inverted lens.
Between F and Real, The image forms beyond 2F on the other side
Enlarged
2F inverted of the lens.
Highly enlarged Real, Light rays become parallel and the image is
At F (focus)
(approaching infinity) inverted formed at infinity.
The image forms on the same side of the lens
Between F and Virtual,
Enlarged as the object. This is the case in magnifying
optical center upright
glasses.
pg. 4 By Nitish mishra sir
Pragya-class 8th Science
Table: Concave Lens
Nature of
Position of Object Size of Image Description
Image
Highly diminished Virtual, The image forms at the focus on the same
At infinity
(point-sized) upright side as the object.
The image always forms between the focus
Anywhere between Virtual,
Diminished and the optical center on the same side as the
infinity and the lens upright
object.
Key Notes:
1. Convex Lens: Can produce real, inverted images or virtual, upright images, depending on the
object's position relative to the lens.
2. Concave Lens: Always produces a diminished, virtual, and upright image, regardless of the
object's position.
● Mirages: Optical illusions in deserts caused by the refraction of light through layers of air of
different temperatures.
● Rainbows: Formed when sunlight is refracted and dispersed by raindrops.
16.2.3 Dispersion of Light
Definition:
Dispersion occurs when white light splits into its constituent colors (VIBGYOR: Violet, Indigo, Blue,
Green, Yellow, Orange, Red) upon passing through a prism.
Example: A rainbow is a natural example of dispersion caused by sunlight interacting with water droplets
in the atmosphere.
Applications of Dispersion:
● Prisms: Used to study the spectrum of light.
● Spectroscopes: Instruments used to analyze the composition of light emitted by stars.
16.3 Human Eye and Vision
16.3.1 Structure of the Human Eye
Parts of the Eye and Their Functions:
1. Cornea: The transparent front layer that refracts light entering the eye.
2. Pupil: A small, adjustable opening that controls the amount of light entering the eye.
3. Iris: The colored part of the eye that regulates the size of the pupil.
4. Lens: A convex lens that focuses light onto the retina.
5. Retina: Contains light-sensitive cells (rods for dim light and cones for color vision) that detect
light.
6. Optic Nerve: Transmits visual information to the brain.
16.3.2 Defects of Vision and Their Corrections
1. Myopia (Nearsightedness):
o Distant objects appear blurry.
o Corrected using concave lenses.
2. Hypermetropia (Farsightedness):
o Nearby objects appear blurry.
o Corrected using convex lenses.
3. Astigmatism:
o Blurred vision caused by irregular cornea shape.
o Corrected using cylindrical lenses.
4. Presbyopia:
o Age-related difficulty in focusing on nearby objects.
pg. 5 By Nitish mishra sir
Pragya-class 8th Science
o Corrected using bifocal lenses.
16.4 Light and Shadows
16.4.1 Formation of Shadows:
Shadows are formed when an opaque object blocks light.
Factors Affecting Shadows:
● Distance between the light source and the object.
● Position of the object relative to the light source.
16.4.2 Eclipses:
1. Solar Eclipse: Occurs when the Moon blocks the Sun.
2. Lunar Eclipse: Occurs when the Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.
16.5 Applications of Light
16.5.1 Lasers:
● Highly focused beams of light used for surgery, cutting metals, and barcode scanning.
16.5.2 Optical Fibers:
● Thin strands of glass or plastic used to transmit light signals for high-speed internet and medical
imaging.
Exam Facts
1. Speed of light in vacuum: 3×108 m/s.
2. A convex lens is used to correct farsightedness.
3. White light consists of seven colors.
4. Light travels faster in air than in water.
pg. 6 By Nitish mishra sir