Light and dark
In a nutshell
Light comes from lots of different sources and is needed for us to see. The absence of light is known as darkness.
Light and dark
Light is a form of energy that allows us to see. This is because it can be picked up by the human eye. The Sun is the largest natural source of light for us here on Earth. When there is little or no light, it is dark. A light source is something that makes light. Light sources can be either natural or artificial.
Example
In the table are examples of natural and artificial sources of light.
Natural | Artificial |
The Sun (or any stars) | Torch |
Fire | Lamp |
Lightning | Glow sticks |
Artificial light sources need a supply of energy, usually electrical energy. This energy could be supplied by batteries, or from a mains electrical socket. Some other artificial light sources, such as fireworks and glow sticks, get their energy from chemical reactions.
Curiosity: Some plants and animals can produce their own light, such as fireflies, angler fish and some types of mushrooms.