What is it
Children learn that light travels in straight lines, that we see things because light travels from a source to our eyes (or is reflected off an object into our eyes), and how shadows form and change size depending on the position of the light source.
Why it matters
This straight-line model of light is the exact foundation used again at KS3 and GCSE physics for reflection, refraction and how lenses work.
Exam tip
Practise drawing a simple ray diagram with a straight arrow from source to object to eye — questions frequently ask you to draw or interpret how a shadow's size changes as a light source moves closer or further away.
Related topics
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