Full shadows, partial shadows and multilayer shadows are explained based on the phenomenon of the
linear dispersion of light. This paper focuses on progressing the understanding of shadows from
physical and mathematical perspectives. A significant relationship between light and color pigments
is demonstrated with the help of the concept of sets. This integration of physical and mathematical
reasoning not only manages an operational approach to the concept of shadows, it also outputs a
model that can be used in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curricula by
providing a concrete and physical example for abstract concept of the empty set.