Reflection

Introduction to Reflection

Understanding the concept of reflection.
Two main types of reflection: Specular Reflection and Diffuse Reflection.

Definition: Specular reflection occurs when light reflects off a smooth surface like a mirror.
Incident Ray: The light ray approaching the reflective surface.
Reflected Ray: The light ray bouncing off the surface.
Law of Reflection:
- The angle of incidence (angle between incident ray and vertical line perpendicular to the surface) equals the angle of reflection.
Examples:
- Mirrors exhibit specular reflection.
- Images show specular reflection with light reflecting off surfaces like water.

Angle of Incidence: The angle at which the incoming ray approaches the surface.
Angle of Reflection: The angle between the reflected ray and the perpendicular.
Both angles are equal in specular reflection.
Demonstrated using reflections on water and mirrors.

Definition: Occurs on rough surfaces where light is scattered in many directions.
Characteristics:
- Surfaces are not smooth like mirrors.
- Reflected rays scatter, mixing up the light and losing image information.
Examples:
- Most objects in everyday life reflect light diffusely, such as mountains, trees, and non-mirrored surfaces.
- Light hitting these surfaces reflects in various directions, not preserving images.

Diffuse Reflection in Nature: Demonstrated by objects like trees which reflect specific wavelengths (e.g., green) diffusely.
Double Reflection: Light can reflect multiple times, such as the sun reflecting off water and then onto another surface.
Practical Exploration: Encourages observing these reflections in everyday scenarios to understand the concepts better.

Reflection can be understood through observing angles and the types of surfaces.
Different surfaces and angles result in different types of reflection.
Understanding these concepts provides insights into how light interacts with the environment.