What Is Reflection of Light?/ Laws of Reflection / Types of Reflection

 Reflection of Light 

Have you ever wondered why you can see your face in a mirror?
This happens because of a phenomenon called reflection.

What Is Reflection of Light?

When light hits a smooth and shiny surface (like a mirror) and bounces back, the process is called reflection of light.

• The light that hits the surface is called the incident ray.

• The light that bounces back is called the reflected ray.

• A line drawn perpendicular to the surface is called the normal.

• The angle made by the incident ray with the normal is the angle of incidence.

• The angle made by the reflected ray with the normal is the angle of reflection.

Laws of Reflection

There are two laws that explain how reflection works:

1. The incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal lie in the same plane.

This means all three lines are on the same flat surface or sheet.

2. The angle of incidence = the angle of reflection.

Light always follows this rule when reflecting from a smooth surface.

Types of Reflection

There are three types of reflection:

1. Regular (Specular) Reflection

• Happens on smooth and shiny surfaces (like mirrors).

• The reflection is clear and sharp.

• Angles of reflection are the same at all points.

Example:
You see your clear image in a plane mirror.

2. Diffused Reflection

• Happens on rough or uneven surfaces (like walls, paper, roads).

• Light scatters in many directions.

• Does not form a clear image.

Example:
You can see everything around you because light reflects off objects in all directions, even though they are not shiny.

3. Multiple Reflection

• Occurs when light reflects back and forth between two or more mirrors.

• This creates many images, sometimes even an infinite number.

Example:
When a barber uses two mirrors, you see many images of the back of your head.

Important point:
The number of images increases when the angle between two mirrors decreases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is reflection of light?

It is the bouncing back of light when it hits a smooth surface.

Q2: What is interference?

When two waves meet and combine to form a new wave with more, less, or the same amplitude.

Q3: State the laws of reflection.

1. Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane.

2. Angle of incidence = angle of reflection.

Q4: What are the types of reflection?

• Regular (specular) reflection

• Diffused reflection

• Multiple reflection

Q5: Which reflection gives a clear image?

Specular or regular reflection.

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