Name: _________________ Date: ____________
Use of Light
All light is a form of energy. Plants use the natural light energy from the sun to
make their food. Light energy combined with photographic film produces an
image we call a photograph. Scientists use both natural and artificial light to do
many different jobs. Light energy can make electricity, send signals, and diagnose
and treat illness. Every day you see things that use light energy. Some of them
you may not even realize.
The Invisible Switch
You have probably walked through automatic
doors hundreds of times. You walk up, and the
door seems to open like magic. But it is not magic.
There is a small cell connected to the door switch.
That cell, called a photocell, is sensitive to light and
shadows. When your shadow falls across the
photocell, it triggers the door to open.
Light Energy
Light energy is often used to make electricity. Cells
that do this are called photoelectric cells. A
photoelectric cell that gets its light energy from the
sun is called a solar cell. A small solar cell can
collect light energy to run a calculator. A very large
solar cell can collect a lot of light energy to make
enough electricity to heat a house or building.
Light Reading
Bar codes may not mean much when you look at them,
but they mean a lot to the beam of light at the check-
out counter. A cashier passes the bar code across the
light beam, which “reads” the pattern of light and dark
in the code. That pattern is then found on a
computerized list, and when a match is found a signal
is sent to the register that tells it the name of the
product and the price.
Light Videos
Laser light is so powerful that it can be used to drill rock or
cut metal. But you might find a laser beam in your own home.
A DVD player uses a beam of light to play a movie. A DVD has
a shiny metal surface with grooves in it. In the grooves are
very small bumps that make a pattern. That pattern is a code,
and when the laser reflects off the surface of the disc, it
“reads” the code. That code is then turned into sound.
Light Conversations
Telephone wires have changed a lot in the last couple
decades. Conversations used to be carried through thick
wires, hanging from poles. However, these wires could not
carry very many voices at once. That is why we now use
“optical fibres”, which are basically light tubes. While you
talk, your voice is turned into electricity. The electricity is
turned into codes of laser light flashes. Those flashes move
along the optical fibre, which is about as thick as a human
hair. One optical fibre can carry more than 1000 telephone
conversations at the same time.
Questions
1. Make a list of things that use light. When you are done, talk to a partner to
add more to your list. If time, keep finding new partners to make your list
as big as possible.
2. What is an important rule when dealing with lasers?