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Chapter 3: Problem 11

What is the difference between the umbra and the penumbra of a shadow?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The umbra is the innermost and darkest part of a shadow, where the light source is completely blocked by the obstructing body. Meanwhile, the penumbra is the outer part of the shadow where the light source is partially blocked, making it lighter than the umbra. Objects in the penumbra receive some direct light from the source, whereas those in the umbra do not.

Step by step solution

01

Defining Umbra and Penumbra

In the first step, define what umbra and penumbra are. The umbra is the shadow's inner most and darkest part, where the light source is completely blocked by the obstructing body. On the other hand, the penumbra is the shadow's outer part where the light source is only partially blocked.
02

Pointing out the differences

After defining these two terms, compare them based on the difference in the light source's obstruction and the darkness of the shadow. The key differences are that the umbra is darker than the penumbra due to complete blockage of the light source, and objects in the umbra do not receive any direct light from the light source, whereas objects in the penumbra do receive some direct light.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

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