Optics: Images and Reflection of Light

Flashcards covering key terms related to Optics, focusing on images and the reflection of light.

Ray Model of Light

A model that explains how light travels in straight lines.

Wave Model of Light

A model that describes light as a wave, emphasizing its wave-like properties.

Particle Model of Light

A model that treats light as being composed of particles called photons.

Laterally inverted

An image that is reversed from left to right.

Diverging mirror

A mirror that spreads out light rays that are originally parallel.

Converging mirror

A mirror that brings parallel light rays together to a point.

Real image

An image formed by converging light rays that can be projected on a screen.

Virtual image

An image formed by diverging light rays that cannot be projected on a screen.

Magnification (M)

The ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object.

Law of Reflection

The law stating that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Regular reflection

Reflection that occurs on a smooth surface, producing a clear image.

Diffuse reflection

Reflection that occurs on a rough surface, producing a scattered image.

Angle of incidence

The angle between the incoming ray and the normal at the point of incidence.

Angle of reflection

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidence.

Normal

An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Concave mirror

A mirror that curves inward and can produce real and virtual images.

Convex mirror

A mirror that curves outward and produces only virtual images.

SALT (Size, Attitude, Location, Type)

A method for analyzing images formed by mirrors and lenses.

Principal focus

The point where parallel rays of light converge after reflecting off a concave mirror.

Centre of curvature

The center of the sphere from which the mirror is derived.

Radius of curvature

The distance from the center of curvature to the mirror's surface.