Reflection of Light

Question 1

Law of reflection -

Answer 1

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection

Question 2

When a wave arrives at a boundary what are the 3 things that can happen:

Answer 2

• absorbed (transfers energy to materials energy stores)
• transmitted (carry on travelling through)
• reflected

Question 3

What is the normal

Answer 3

An imaginary line that’s perpendicular to the surface of the point of incidence

Question 4

Specular reflection -

Answer 4

A wave is reflected in a single direction by a smooth surface (mirror —> clear reflection)

Question 5

Diffuse reflection -

Answer 5

A wave is reflected by a rough surface (paper—> reflected rays scattered in different directions)

Question 6

In diffuse reflections why are reflected rays scattered in different directions

Answer 6

• normal is different for each incoming ray —> angle of incidence different
• matte surface appears

Question 7

Light goes from glass to air, does it bend towards or away from the normal

Answer 7

Away

Question 8

Light goes from air to glass, does it bend towards or away from the normal

Answer 8

Towards

Question 9

Refraction -

Answer 9

The change in direction of waves when they travel across a boundary from one medium to another