P3.2.1 Reflection of light

Define terms normal line, incident ray and reflected ray

• Normal line: line perpendicular to the surface of the boundary

• Incident ray: ray of light travelling to the object

• Reflected ray: ray of right being reflected from the object

Describe the formation of an optical image by a vertical plane mirror and give its characteristics compared with the object

• Vertical plane mirrors form an image that is virtual, upright, laterally inverted, same distance from the mirror as the object and same size

What is the difference between a virtual and real image?

• Virtual image: image which cannot be projected on a screen and is formed by the apparent convergence of light rays

• Real image: image which can be projected on a screen and is formed by the actual convergence of light rays

What are the types of reflection?

• Specular reflection: reflection from smooth surface which forms a virtual image

• Diffuse reflection: reflection from a rough surface which forms blurry or no image