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Shadows and contrast

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Summary

A light source doesn't create a shadow ! Light sources create light  !
When you commonly say that light hits an object and casts a shadow, you have to understand that light doesn't reach the area behind the opaque object - the area we call the shadow.
In fact, the brightness behind the object remains the same if you switch off the street lamp in front of it. Seeing a shadow is just a question of contrast.
If you want to build a world without any shadows, then you have two solutions:

  • Switch off all light sources.
  • Switch on many light sources everywhere !

Click on the street lamps to turn them on or off.
Move the luminosity indicator (arrow) to observe contrasts.

Learning goals

  • To understand that a shadow appears by contrast.
  • To define Contrast and brightness.

Learn more

Note that different conditions of illumination can produce deceptive optical effects where the judgment of brightness and darkness are concerned. Use of the luminosity indicator (arrow) can reveal…

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