Reflection of Light by 2E3 Li Yanbing

1) WHAT IS REFLECTION OF LIGHT?
The bouncing of light off a mirror is called reflection.

2) WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN?
Reflection happen when the image in a mirror is formed when light rays bounce off the mirror and travel to your eyes.

3) TYPES OF REFLECTION

There are basically two types of reflection:

Regular Reflection
When a parallel beam of light hits a smooth surface such as a plane mirror, it is reflected as a parallel beam. This is called a REGULAR reflection.That is when we look at a smooth surface,we see an image.

Diffuse Reflection
When a beam of light hits a rough surface, the individual rays are reflected in different direction. So no image is formed. This type of reflection is called DIFFUSE reflection.


4) USE OF REFLECTION OF LIGHT; EXAMPLES.
There are many examples of the use of reflection of light.
The rear view mirror of a car helps drivers to see traffic behind the car.
The use of plane mirrors to check one’s appearance.
Periscopes are made of two plane mirrors which see over obstacles such as walls.
Mirrors used in double-deck buses to help the driver to see the passengers on the upper deck.

Sources:
Heyworth, Rex M. Explore Your World with Science Discovery 2.
Diagram obtained from <http://www.rebeccapaton.net/rainbows/rflctn.gif>