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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

Speed of light

Act 1

A torch is pointed in the direction of the moon and then switched on. What does the speed of light look like? How long will it take the light to reach the moon?

Act 2

Images give further information on the distance of the moon from the earth and the speed of light. A printable sheet with a double number line is provided.

Act 3

The video is repeated but this time it has a timer revealing the time taken for the light to reach the moon is 1.3 seconds. There is also a motion graphic showing images of the earth and moon, with the beam travelling between the two.

Sequel

How long would it take for the light from the torch to reach Pluto?

If the light takes a month to get somewhere in space, where might you be?

How far does light travel in ten years?

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