Waves: Light and colour

Law of Reflection

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection (measured from the normal)

Specular reflection

Reflection from a smooth surface

Diffuse reflection (Scattering)

Reflection from a rough surface

Refraction

The change in direction of light when traveling from one transparent medium to another

White light through a prism

Each color slows down and refracts at different rates, spreading them out

Color of objects

An object appears a certain color by reflecting that color and absorbing others

White objects

Reflect all colors of light and absorb nothing

Black objects

Occur when an object absorbs all incoming light and reflects nothing

Wavefronts in dense material

Wavefronts appear closer together when entering a denser medium