Reflection and Refraction

Light Wave

A visible electromagnetic wave that can reflect and refract.

Specular Reflection

Reflection of light from a smooth shiny surface yielding a clear image.

Diffuse Reflection

Reflection of light from a rough surface resulting in scattering in multiple directions.

Law of Reflection

the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Angle of Incidence

The angle formed between the incoming light ray and the normal.

Angle of Reflection

The angle formed between the reflected light ray and the normal.

Normal Line

A line drawn perpendicular (at a right angle) to the surface at the point of incidence.

Refraction

The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.

Medium

Any substance through which light or another wave travels.

Bend Towards the Normal

When light moves from a less dense medium to a more dense medium.

Bend Away from the Normal

When light moves from a more dense medium to a less dense medium.

Transparent Material

Materials that allow light to pass through with minimal scattering.

Opaque Material

Materials that do not allow light to pass through.

Example of Refraction

Light bending when passing from air to glass.

Car and Sand Analogy

Describes how vehicles and light bend when encountering different media.

Law of Reflection

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, measured between the light ray and the normal.

Refraction

The bending of light as it crosses a boundary from one medium to another.

Normal

A line at a right angle (90°) to the surface.

Medium

A substance that light (or another wave) travels through; plural is media.

Speed of Light

The speed of light in a vacuum is approximately 3 imes 10^8