NCERT Solutions for Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Light Shadows and Reflections updated for Session 2025-26. It provides clear explanations of key concepts such as how light travels, formation of shadows, types of materials, reflection, mirror images and lateral inversion. These solutions help students understand the behavior of light through real-life examples, activities and diagrams. They simplify the chapter and improve critical thinking, making learning interactive and effective for both classroom understanding and exam preparation.
Class 7 Science Solutions

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Solutions

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Very Short Answer Type Questions

What are luminous objects?
See AnswerLuminous objects are those that emit their own light, like the Sun, fire, or LED lamps.

Does the Moon produce its own light?
See AnswerNo, the Moon is non-luminous and reflects sunlight.

In which direction does light travel?
See AnswerLight always travels in a straight line.

What kind of materials form clear shadows?
See AnswerOpaque materials form clear and dark shadows.

Name the mirror that forms erect, laterally inverted images.
See AnswerA plane mirror.

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Short Answer Type Questions

What is the difference between transparent, translucent, and opaque objects?
See AnswerTransparent objects allow light to pass completely, translucent allow partial light, and opaque objects block light entirely, forming shadows.

How does light create shadows?
See AnswerWhen light is blocked by an opaque object, a shadow forms on the screen or wall behind it.

What is reflection of light?
See AnswerReflection is the change in the direction of light when it bounces off a shiny surface like a mirror.

Why is ‘AMBULANCE’ written in reverse on emergency vans?
See AnswerDue to lateral inversion by plane mirrors, drivers ahead can read it correctly in their rear-view mirrors.

What is lateral inversion?
See AnswerIt is the left-right reversal of images formed in a plane mirror.

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Descriptive Answer Type Questions

Describe the image formed by a plane mirror.
See AnswerThe image is virtual, erect, laterally inverted, and of the same size as the object. It appears to be behind the mirror and cannot be captured on a screen.

Explain how a pinhole camera works.
See AnswerLight from an object passes through a small hole and forms an inverted image on a screen inside the camera. It uses the principle that light travels in straight lines.

How do shadows change with the position of the object and light?
See AnswerThe size and shape of a shadow depend on the object’s distance from the light source and the screen. Closer to the light – larger shadow; closer to the screen – smaller shadow.

What are the three conditions needed to form a shadow?
See AnswerTo form a shadow, we need a light source, an opaque object, and a screen or surface to receive the shadow.

What is a periscope and how does it work?
See AnswerA periscope uses two mirrors placed at 45° angles in a Z-shape to reflect light, allowing a person to see over or around obstacles.

Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 Exploring Questions

Why don’t we see a bird’s shadow when it flies high in the sky?
See AnswerBecause the bird is far from the ground and blocks very little light at that distance, its shadow becomes too faint or dispersed to notice on the ground.

Why do objects in a kaleidoscope form multiple patterns?
See AnswerA kaleidoscope uses three mirrors placed at angles, and light reflections bounce between them, forming beautiful symmetrical patterns that change with every turn.

How is the image in a mirror different from that in a pinhole camera?
See AnswerThe mirror forms an upright, virtual image with lateral inversion, while a pinhole camera forms a real, inverted image on a screen without lateral inversion.

How does the use of LED lights benefit society?
See AnswerLED lights use less electricity, last longer, reduce energy costs, and help the environment. However, they must be properly recycled when discarded.

Can a small mirror form the image of a large object?
See AnswerYes, a small mirror can reflect light from even large objects like trees, forming their image, though the field of view may be limited.

What is the difference between a shadow and an image, as explained in Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11?
In Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11, a clear distinction is made between shadows and images. A shadow is formed when an opaque object blocks light, creating a dark area on a surface. It does not show details or color and is always formed on the opposite side of the light source. An image, however, is formed by light reflected from mirrors and shows the object’s exact shape, details and sometimes color. For example, a plane mirror forms a detailed virtual image, while a pinhole camera forms an inverted real image. Shadows are blurry or sharp, depending on the light source.

What is lateral inversion and how does it affect reading in mirrors, as described in Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11?
Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 explains lateral inversion as the phenomenon where the left and right sides of an object appear reversed in a plane mirror. This is why the word “AMBULANCE” is written in reverse on the front of emergency vehicles. When seen in a car’s rear-view mirror, it appears correctly, allowing drivers to read it quickly and give way. Lateral inversion happens because a mirror reflects light back at the same angle but flips the direction sideways. Understanding this concept helps us correctly interpret mirror images in daily life and also aids in learning about symmetry.

How does a pinhole camera work and what principle is it based on in Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11?
According to Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11, a pinhole camera works on the principle that light travels in a straight line. It is a simple device made using a box with a tiny hole on one side and a translucent screen on the opposite side. When light passes through the hole, it carries the image of the object and projects it on the screen. The image formed is real, inverted and smaller than the actual object. Though it doesn’t use any lens or electricity, the pinhole camera effectively demonstrates how light behaves and helps understand basic optics.

What are the main things to remember in Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11?

In Chapter 11, focus on three key concepts:

  1. Light travels in a straight line.
  2. Shadows form when light is blocked by opaque objects.
  3. Reflection happens when light bounces off shiny surfaces like mirrors.
  4. You should also know about lateral inversion, how images form in mirrors and what makes shadows clear or blurry based on the light source and object type.

Is Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 hard to understand?

No, it’s actually one of the most fun and visual chapters! You can easily understand the concepts with simple experiments using a torch, mirror or your own shadow. Once you get how light behaves like bouncing off surfaces or getting blocked everything else falls into place. Just draw a few diagrams and try out some shadow tricks to remember better.

How can I study Class 7 Science Curiosity Chapter 11 more easily at home?

Try these simple tips:
1. Use a torch and hand to make shadows and observe their shape.
2. Take a small mirror and explore reflections.
3. Stand in sunlight to see how your shadow changes with position.
4. Doing these things makes the chapter more hands-on and memorable. Also, revise terms like luminous, non-luminous, opaque, transparent and practice drawing ray diagrams.

Content Reviewed: May 3, 2025
Content Reviewer

Shikhar Tiwari

Having graduated from Electronics and Communication Engineering from AKTU – Noida, India, in 2021, working for Tiwari Academy as a content writer and reviewer. My main focus is to provide an easy to understand methods in all subjects specially mathematics and making study material with step by step explanation.