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What are the examples of reflection of light?

Last Updated : 23 Jul, 2025
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Reflection of light is the process by which light waves hit a surface and bounce back into the original medium from which they originated. It happens when light changes direction when it comes into contact with an interface between two different media, like air and a mirror. This behaviour follows the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Reflection of Light
Law of Reflection of Light

It follows the laws of reflection:

There are two key laws:

1. The First Law of Reflection

This law explains that when light hits a reflective surface, it does so at a certain angle called the angle of incidence, and it bounces off at that very same angle, which is known as the angle of reflection.

Mathematically,
Angle of Incidence=Angle of Reflection

2. The Second Law of Reflection

This law explains that the incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane. this means that these three elements are coplanar, and no other direction for the reflected ray is possible outside this plane.

Here are some examples of reflection of light :

1. Specular Reflection: This occurs when light reflects off a smooth, shiny surface , producing a clear image.

For Examples,

  • Reflection off a plane mirror (e.g., bathroom mirrors, mirrors on cars).
  • Reflection off a smooth water surface (e.g., a calm lake).

2. Diffuse Reflection: This happens when light strikes a rough surface and reflects in many directions, which prevents the formation of a clear image.

For Examples,

  • Reflection off paper or cloth.
  • Reflection from rough walls or wooden surfaces.

Examples in Daily Life

  • Mirrors: Common mirrors in homes, cars, and bathrooms that reflect images.
  • Water Surface: Calm ponds or lakes often show reflections of the sky, nearby buildings, or trees.
  • Polished Metal Surfaces: Things like spoons, coins, and cars can reflect light because of their polished surfaces.
  • Windows: Reflection on the glass of windows, especially when looking at a building's reflection.
  • Lakes and Ponds: Reflection of surrounding scenery on calm bodies of water.

Examples in Optical Devices

  • Periscopes: It is used in submarines or by soldiers, they use mirrors to reflect light and allow observation from a hidden position.
  • Optical Instruments: Telescopes and microscopes often use mirrors to reflect light to form images.
  • Lighthouses: Use mirrors and lenses to reflect light over great distances for navigation.
  • Cameras: Some cameras, particularly in older models, use reflective mirrors to direct light to the sensor or film.

Conclusion

Light reflection happens when it bounces off a surface. You can see this when looking at yourself in a mirror, the calm surface of a lake, or the moon shining by reflecting sunlight. On the other hand, rough surfaces like paper scatter light in many directions, creating a diffused reflection.


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