How We See Objects

Question 1

In a classroom a ceiling light shines down onto a purple eraser that sits on a desk. Maya sits on a stool at the side of the desk and looks at the eraser. Which statement correctly describes the path the light must take for Maya to see the eraser?

Accepted Answer

Light travels from the ceiling light to the eraser, then the eraser reflects that light into Maya’s eye.

Answer

Light travels from Maya’s eye to the eraser, then the eraser reflects the light toward the ceiling light.

Answer

Light travels straight from the ceiling light into Maya’s eye, so the eraser does not need to reflect any light.

Answer

Light travels from the eraser to the ceiling light and then from the ceiling light into Maya’s eye.

Question 2

Which statement best explains how we are able to see a red ball placed on a table?

Accepted Answer

Light from a source reflects off the surface of the ball, travels to our eyes, and the eye’s lens focuses that reflected light so the brain can recognize the ball.

Answer

Our eyes send out light that bounces off the ball and returns to the eye, creating the image.

Answer

Light passes through the ball and then enters our eyes, so we can see the ball.

Answer

The red ball itself produces light that travels straight into our eyes, allowing us to see it.

Question 3

Sam turns off the lamp, shuts the curtains, and then reaches for his red marble on the desk, but he cannot see it at all. Which statement correctly explains why the marble is invisible?

Accepted Answer

There is no light reaching the marble, so no light can bounce back into Sam’s eyes.

Answer

Sam’s eyes have to send a beam of light toward the marble for him to see it.

Answer

Because the marble is red, it absorbs all light and does not reflect any.

Answer

The darkness blocks the brain’s ability to make pictures even though light is present.

Try three questions

In a classroom a ceiling light shines down onto a purple eraser that sits on a desk. Maya sits on a stool at the side of the desk and looks at the eraser. Which statement correctly describes the path the light must take for Maya to see the eraser?

Which statement best explains how we are able to see a red ball placed on a table?

Sam turns off the lamp, shuts the curtains, and then reaches for his red marble on the desk, but he cannot see it at all. Which statement correctly explains why the marble is invisible?

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