Reflection of Light

Reflection of light is the process by which light bounces off a surface and changes direction. When light rays strike a smooth, shiny surface, such as a mirror, they bounce off at the same angle at which they hit the surface.

Key Concepts:

1. Incident Ray: The incoming ray of light that strikes a surface.
2. Reflected Ray: The ray of light that bounces off the surface.
3. Normal: An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point where the incident ray strikes it.
4. Angle of Incidence: The angle between the incident ray and the normal.
5. Angle of Reflection: The angle between the reflected ray and the normal.

Law of Reflection:

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This means that if the incident ray makes an angle of 30 degrees with the normal, the reflected ray will also make an angle of 30 degrees with the normal.

Study Guide:

1. What is the process of reflection of light?
2. Identify and define the key concepts involved in reflection of light.
3. Explain the law of reflection and give an example.
4. What is the role of a normal in the reflection of light?
5. Describe the difference between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.

By understanding the reflection of light, you can comprehend how mirrors work and why objects appear the way they do when light reflects off of them.