Reflection and Refraction

Reflection and Refraction

Reflection - The bouncing back of a wave when it hits a surface through which it cannot pass.

Refraction - The bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another

Incident ray - incoming ray

Reflected ray - the light that has bent as it enters a new medium

Normal Line - imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface of a mirror or any surface

Angle - The amount of bending that a light ray experiences

Law of Reflection

The law of reflection states that when a ray of light reflects off a surface, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Complete the sentences using the following keywords:

Reflection           light            reflected            normal           same          incidence

When light hits a mirror, the angle at which it hits is the same as the angle at which it is normal. Scientists called this the Law of Reflection. In correct science terms, the Reflection Law states that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence when measured from the reflection.