ABSTRACT
Light is a fascinating physical phenomenon. Light travels at astonishing speed; it bounces off some objects and is absorbed by others. Because we can sense light, we see images, shadows and colour. Most living things rely on light for their survival. Plants need light to grow, and animals rely on plants for their food. Without light, there would be no hope of survival for the majority of the living things that inhabit the Earth. In this chapter, our main focus is on the behaviour of light as a form of radiant energy and how it helps living things to survive. We also look briefly at the language of light and how it has been used by writers to powerful effect.
