Reflection

• Light, Reflection and Refraction

  • Visible light can be reflected off most surfaces
  • When light bounces off a smooth surface, a clear reflection will form
  • When light bounces off a rough surface, a diffuse reflection will form
  • Light can also be refracted when passing through objects of different densities
  • travel at different speeds through different mediums (e.g. air & water)
  • This will cause the wave to change directions
• The Law of Reflections

  • States that the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection.
  • The angle of incidence (i) can be defined as the angle of the wave approaching the boundary.
  • Boundary is always perpendicular to the normal.
  • The angle of refraction (r) can be defined as the angle of the wave leaving the boundary.

  A) Angle of Incidence

  B) Normal

  C) Angle of Reflection

  D) Reflected ray

  E) Mirror

  F) Reflection angle = Refraction angle