Reflection Flashcards
1
Q
What 3 things can happen when a wave hits a boundary
A
- When a wave hits a boundary between two different materials (mediums), the wave can be absorbed (the energy of the wave is added to the material’s energy store), refracted or reflected
- Which one occurs is dependent on the wavelength and the properties of both materials
2
Q
What is always true during reflection
A
- The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection
3
Q
What is the point where the incoming ray meets the boundary called
A
- The point of incidence
4
Q
What is the normal
A
- A line exactly perpendicular to the boundary
5
Q
What is specular reflection
A
- Boundary is flat
- All normals are in the same direction
- All light enters and leaves at the same angle
6
Q
What is scattered / diffuse reflection
A
- Boundary is bumpy
- All normals are in different directions
- Light will be reflected in different directions
- Cannot see reflections clearly