Which of the following is an example of a non-luminous object?

Which of the following is an example of a non-luminous object?

• A. The sun
• B. A fluorescent bulb
• C. A mirror
• D. A candle

Answer: (C)

A non-luminous object is one that does not produce its own light but can reflect light from luminous objects. A mirror is a perfect example of this because it does not emit light on its own; instead, it reflects light that hits its surface. When light from a luminous source, such as the sun or a light bulb, strikes the mirror, it bounces off, allowing us to see our reflection as well as the light itself. The other options all describe luminous objects, which are capable of producing their own light. The sun generates light through nuclear fusion in its core, fluorescent bulbs produce light through the excitation of gas molecules, and a candle emits light as a result of combustion. This distinction is crucial in understanding the behavior of light and how we perceive it in our surroundings.

A non-luminous object is one that does not produce its own light but can reflect light from luminous objects. A mirror is a perfect example of this because it does not emit light on its own; instead, it reflects light that hits its surface. When light from a luminous source, such as the sun or a light bulb, strikes the mirror, it bounces off, allowing us to see our reflection as well as the light itself.

The other options all describe luminous objects, which are capable of producing their own light. The sun generates light through nuclear fusion in its core, fluorescent bulbs produce light through the excitation of gas molecules, and a candle emits light as a result of combustion. This distinction is crucial in understanding the behavior of light and how we perceive it in our surroundings.