Shadows (umbra and penumbra)

Principle

In the first part of the experiment the students should observe the formation of shadow behind an illuminated object and make conclusions as to the conditions necessary for shadow formation and the properties of propagation of light. The students will become acquainted with umbra and penumbra in a second experiment. Both experiments can, however, also be performed independently. By using colour filters in a supplementary experiment, the students can observe an interesting and surprising phenomenon: the formation of coloured shadows.

Benefits

• Multifunctional light box - All-in-one: Can be used for geometric optics on the table, colour mixing and on an optical bench
• Extension with others sets at anytime, no additional light sources needed, recognition value for students

Tasks

No light without shadow! In the first experiment the shadow formation behind illuminated objects is investigated. The second part of this experiment is about shadow formation when an object is illuminated by two light sources.