What is Light Energy? – Free Book for Kids

Description

What is light energy?

Light energy does some amazing things:

• It travels super fast in straight lines (from the sun to Earth!)
• It can bounce off things, which is called reflection
• It can be blocked by things, creating shadows

Light Sources vs. Reflectors

This is a key differentiator that many sites miss

Is it making light or bouncing it?

This is a tricky but important idea! Some things MAKE their own light. Other things just REFLECT light that shines on them.

Light Source

An object that produces its own light.

• Example: The sun, a lit light bulb, a glowing candle, a firefly

Reflector

An object that bounces back light from a source. It does NOT make its own light!

• Example: The moon (it reflects the sun’s light!), a mirror, a shiny metal spoon, a CD

Where Does Light Come From?

We can also group light sources by where they come from!

Natural Light

Light that comes from nature.

• Example: The Sun, Stars, Lightning, Fireflies

Artificial Light

Light that is made by people.

• Example: Lamps, Flashlights, TV Screens, Neon Signs

Challenge

Look around the room you’re in. How many sources of artificial light can you count?

Our Content Team prepared this article to support clear learning outcomes.