Concept explainers
The reason that a high-flying plane cast little or no shadow on the ground, while a low-flying plane casts a sharp shadow.
Answer to Problem 42A
A total shadow is called umbra and a partial shadow is called penumbra. A penumbra appears when some of light is blocked but where other light fills in. When the height of the plane is large the more amount of sunlight (which is not a point source) fills in hence cast little or no shadow. On the other hand, for low-flying plane, there is not enough light to fill in hence do not blur and casts a sharp shadow.
Explanation of Solution
Introduction:
A shadow is formed where light rays cannot reach. Sharp shadows are produced by a small light source nearby or by a larger source farther away. However, most of the shadows are somewhat blurry.
There is usually a dark part on the inside of a shadow and lighter part around the edges of a shadow. A total shadow is called umbra and a partial shadow is called penumbra. A penumbra appears when some of light is blocked but where other light fills in as shown in following figure;
When the height of the plane is large the more amount of sunlight (which is not a point source) fills in hence cast little or no shadow. On the other hand, for low-flying plane, there is not enough light to fill in hence do not blur and casts a sharp shadow.
Conclusion:
Thus, a high-flying plane cast little or no shadow on the ground, while a low-flying plane casts a sharp shadow.
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