Mirrors and Lenses 1

Light

Can bounce off, bend, be absorbed, or pass through materials, and these interactions determine how it moves and interacts with different materials.

Reflection of light in plane mirrors

It is the bouncing back of light when it strikes a surface. Occurs on smooth, shiny surfaces.

Law of reflection

The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Regular/specular

Reflection of smooth surfaces

Irregular/diffuse

Reflection of rough surfaces. Scatter light, illuminating the area without harsh glare.

Size

Is the image magnified, reduced, or the same size?

Attitude

Is the image upright ir inverted?

Location

Where is the image formed relative to the mirror or lens? (Depend on the object’s distance from the optiocal device)

Type

Is the image real or virtual?

Real image

Projected to the screen, same side.

Virtual image

Reflection of light in a curved mirror.

Ray diagram

Is a drawing that shows the path of light rays as they relflect from a mirror.

Incident ray

Going towards the mirror

Normal line

Imaginary straight line at 90 degrees to the mirror

Reflected linee

The light bouncing away from the mirror