Investigate light - Reflection

Question 1

You can perform the following experiment to show that the angle of incidence = angle of reflection as well as finding out which type of reflection (specular or diffuse) occurs on different materials.

Answer 1

If the beam is wider after it has been reflected, this means that diffuse reflection has occurred, as the light has been scattered in different directions.

Question 2

What is the aim of this experiment

Answer 2

To investigate the reflection of light by different types of substances/materials.

Question 3

Step 1

Answer 3

Use a ruler to draw a straight line on a piece of paper.

Question 4

Step 2

Answer 4

Place an object on top of the piece of paper so one of its edges lines up with the straight line you have drawn.

Question 5

Step 3

Answer 5

Shine a ray of light at the object and trace the outline of the incoming and reflected beam on the piece of paper.

Question 6

Step 4

Answer 6

Draw the normal to the straight line at the point that the light hit the object.

Question 7

Step 5

Answer 7

Measure the angle of incidence and angle of reflection of the object using a protractor.

Question 8

Step 6

Answer 8

Measure the width of the incident and reflected beams.

Question 9

Step 7

Answer 9

Repeat for a range of objects, made from different materials.