The fact that a small source of light casts a sharp shadow of an opaque object indicates that light travels in straight lines. This phenomenon is usually represented as a ray of light, and the study of such properties helps us explore and understand various optical phenomena in our surroundings.
How does the observation of shadows cast by a small source of light support the idea that light travels in straight lines?
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The observation of shadows cast by a small source of light supports the idea that light travels in straight lines due to the well-defined boundaries of the shadows. When light emanates from a small source, it disperses in various directions. Objects intercepting the light cast shadows with sharp, distinct edges. This implies that light, having a straight-line trajectory, is blocked by opaque objects, forming well-defined shadow patterns. The consistent and predictable nature of shadows aligns with the principle of rectilinear propagation, indicating that light indeed travels in straight lines from the source to the objects and onward to create shadows.