Question

A sphere, a cylinder and a cone, with equal heights are resting on a surface along a straight line. If the source of light is fixed and the light rays are parallel, which of the options show(s) the shadows correctly?

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A, C

The problem involves understanding the effect of parallel light rays on objects with different shapes—a sphere, a cylinder, and a cone. Given that the heights of these objects are equal, let's analyze how their shadows will appear when light is projected.

Explanation:

• Sphere: When parallel light rays hit a sphere, the shadow forms a circular shape on the surface. This occurs because the sphere has a uniform curvature, producing a consistent shape regardless of the light's direction.
• Cylinder: The shadow of a cylinder is a rectangle. This is because the cylinder has parallel sides, and when the light strikes it perpendicularly, the shadow extends along the length of these parallel sides.
• Cone: The shadow cast by a cone appears triangular due to its tapering shape. The base of the cone produces a wider shadow that narrows to a point, mimicking its form.

Conclusion: To determine which images show the shadows correctly, we identify those where the shadows align with our analysis: a circle for the sphere, a rectangle for the cylinder, and a triangle for the cone.

Correct Images:

These images accurately depict the shadows as described. Analyzing the effect of light on geometry helps us predict and understand these outcomes.