Reflection of Light

normal line

normal line

The ________ at the point of incidence is different for different rays.

Concave mirrors

________ are used in certain types of astronomical telescopes called reflecting telescopes.

Specular Reflection

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

individual incident

The reflected light from each ________ ray follows the law of reflection.

Parallel rays of light

________ strike the convex mirror and are reflected outwards.

Angle of incidence

the angle at which light hits a reflecting surface

Angle of reflection

the angle at which light bounces off a reflecting surface

Specular Reflection

the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Diffuse reflection of light

results in light rays reflected at many angles, rather than at just one angle as in the case of specular reflection; angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of reflection

Reflection of light on a concave mirror

when parallel light rays hit a concave mirror they reflect inwards towards a focal point

Reflection of light on a convex mirror

when parallel light rays hit a convex mirror they reflect outwards and travel directly away from an imaginary focal point

In diffuse reflection the normal line at the point of incidence

is different for different rays

Water is a

reflective surface.

When the water in a lake or sea is very still,

the reflection of the landscape is perfect, because the reflecting surface is very flat.

If there are ripples or waves in the water,

the reflection becomes distorted.