6.1.p - 6.1.s Reflection of waves

What is the law of reflection?

Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection

What are the 4 wave properties?

• Reflect

• Refract

• Diffract

• Interfere

Reflect

When a wave hits a boundary part, or all of the waves reflects

Refract

Waves can travel into different materials (medium) + change their direction

Diffract

Waves spread out when they pass through a gap

Interfere

Waves can interact with other waves to cause constructive + destrctive interference

When a waves is incident on a surface…

1. It could be transmitted + travel through the next material

2. It could be absorbed

3. It could be reflected

4. It could be refracted

What’s a perfect reflector 

Zero energy is absorbed or transmitted instead one hundred percent reflected

Specular reflection

• Parallel reflections

• Smooth surface

• Rays that come from one direction are reflected at the same angle

• I.e a mirror

Diffuse reflection

• Rough surface

• Rays that come from one direction are reflected at many different angles

• Law of reflection is still obeyed but the normal’s are all at different orientations due to the “lumpy” surface

Examples of specular reflection

• High visibility strips so people get noticed in the night

• Periscope