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Class 7 Science Chapter 11 Light: Shadows and Reflections

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I. Chapter Summary:

This chapter explores the behavior of light, focusing on the formation of shadows and the phenomenon of reflection. It explains how shadows are created when an opaque object obstructs light, and describes the characteristics of shadows under different conditions. The chapter also covers the laws of reflection and the difference between regular and diffused reflection. It illustrates how mirrors produce images and explains the concepts of plane mirrors, and the importance of light in our daily lives.

II. Key Concepts Covered:

• Nature of Light: Travels in straight lines; necessary for vision and image formation.

• Shadows: Formed when an opaque object blocks light; characteristics depend on the light source and object position.

• Reflection of Light: The bouncing back of light rays from a surface; includes the laws of reflection:

  1. Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection

  2. Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane.

• Types of Reflection:

  • Regular reflection (from smooth surfaces, like mirrors)

  • Diffused reflection (from rough surfaces)

• Plane Mirrors: Produce virtual, erect, and laterally inverted images.

• Applications: Use of mirrors in daily life, safety, and scientific instruments.

III. Important Questions:

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark):

1. What kind of shadow is formed when the light source is very small?
   a) Large shadow
   b) Sharp and well-defined shadow
   c) No shadow
   d) Blurry shadow
   Answer: b) Sharp and well-defined shadow

2. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of:
   a) Refraction
   b) Deviation
   c) Reflection
   d) Diffraction
   Answer: c) Reflection

3. Which type of surface causes diffused reflection?
   a) Smooth
   b) Rough
   c) Mirror
   d) Glass
   Answer: b) Rough

4. Images formed by a plane mirror are:
   a) Real and inverted
   b) Virtual and erect
   c) Real and erect
   d) Virtual and inverted
   Answer: b) Virtual and erect

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks):

1. Define shadow and explain how it is formed.

2. State the laws of reflection.

3. Differentiate between regular and diffused reflection.

4. Describe the image formed by a plane mirror.

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks):

1. Explain the formation and characteristics of shadows.

2. Describe the laws of reflection with a labeled diagram.

3. How do plane mirrors form images? Explain with the help of a diagram.

4. Discuss practical applications of reflection of light in daily life.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) Questions:

1. How does the size of a shadow change when the object moves closer to the light source? Explain.

2. Why does a rough surface not produce a clear image? Discuss with respect to the nature of reflection.

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts:

• Laws of Reflection:

  • Angle of incidence (i) = Angle of reflection (r)

  • Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane.

• Shadow Formation: Caused by opaque objects blocking light rays.

• Image Characteristics in Plane Mirrors: Virtual, erect, laterally inverted, same size as the object.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026):

No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks.

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026):

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs):

• 2023: MCQ on the angle of reflection (1 mark)

• 2021: Short answer on shadow formation (3 marks)

• 2019: Long answer on laws of reflection (5 marks)

• 2018: HOTS question on diffused reflection (3 marks)

VIII. Real-World Application Examples to Connect with Topics:

• Use of plane mirrors in daily life: grooming, rear-view mirrors in vehicles.

• Reflection principles in optical instruments like periscopes and telescopes.

• Understanding shadow formation helps in designing buildings for natural lighting.

• Diffused reflection explains why we can see objects from various angles.

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success:

• Draw and practice labeling diagrams related to reflection and shadows.

• Remember the laws of reflection and practice applying them to problems.

• Revise previous year questions to understand question patterns.

• Relate concepts to everyday experiences, such as seeing your image in a mirror or shadows on a sunny day.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration:

• For Classes 9–10:

  • Foundation for careers in physics, optics, photography, and engineering.

  • Relevant for NTSE, Olympiads, and science fairs.

• For Classes 11–12:

  • Important for students opting physics in higher secondary, preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET (optics portion).

  • Useful for careers in optometry, medical imaging, and optical engineering.

XI. Important Notes:

• Always check the latest NCERT and CBSE syllabus for updates.

• Strong conceptual understanding of light and reflection can boost your performance.

• Practice sketching diagrams and explaining phenomena in your own words.