Reflection of Light

Light is a fundamental aspect of our perception of the world. Understanding how light behaves,
particularly its reflection, is crucial in fields ranging from physics to optics. This lecture will cover
the basic principles of light reflection, its laws, types, and practical applications.
What is Reflection of Light?
Reflection of light occurs when light rays encounter a surface and change direction without
being absorbed. This phenomenon allows us to see objects as light reflects off them and into our
eyes. The simplest example is observing oneself in a mirror, where the smooth surface reflects
light in a predictable manner.
Laws of Reflection
The behavior of light during reflection is governed by three key laws:
 Angle of Incidence Equals Angle of Reflection: The angle at which incoming light
(incident ray) strikes a surface equals the angle at which it reflects away (reflected ray)
from the normal (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface) 12.
 Incident Ray, Normal, and Reflected Ray in the Same Plane: The incident ray, the
normal line, and the reflected ray all lie in the same geometric plane 1.
 Different Sides of the Normal: The incident and reflected rays are on opposite sides of
the normal line 1.
In the diagram, the light ray that hits the mirror is called the
incident ray (labeled I), and the light ray that bounces off
the mirror is called the reflected ray (labeled R). At the point
where the light hits the mirror, a line can be drawn straight
up from the surface. This line is called the normal line
(labeled N). The normal line splits the angle between the
incident ray and the reflected ray into two equal parts. The
angle between the incident ray and the normal is called the
angle of incidence, and the angle between the reflected ray
and the normal is called the angle of reflection. According to the law of reflection, these two
angles are always equal.
Refer to Figure 1: To see a pencil’s image in a mirror, you need to look along the line where the
image appears. When you do this, light travels to your eye as shown in the diagram. The
diagram shows that the light bounces off the mirror so that the angle it hits the mirror (angle of
incidence) is the same as the angle it bounces away (angle of reflection).

Figure 1 Figure 2

If you look along a line that’s not where the image is, it’s impossible for light to come from the
object, bounce off the mirror according to the law of reflection, and reach your eye. Only when
you look directly at the image does light from the object reflect off the mirror correctly and reach
your eye.
Refer to Figure 2: For example, in Diagram A, the eye is looking at a point above where the
image actually is. For light to bounce off the mirror and reach the eye, the angle of incidence
would have to be smaller than the angle of reflection. In Diagram B, the eye is looking below the
actual image location. Here, the angle of incidence would have to be larger than the angle of
reflection for the light to reach the eye. Neither of these situations follows the law of reflection,
so the image isn’t seen. According to the law of reflection, you have to look at the exact image
location to see the reflection in the mirror.
Types of Reflection
Reflection can be categorized into two main types:
 Specular Reflection: Occurs on smooth surfaces like mirrors or calm water, where light
reflects at a consistent angle, maintaining the image's clarity 15.
 Diffuse Reflection: Happens on rough surfaces such as paper or unpolished wood. Here,
light scatters in various directions, resulting in a loss of image clarity but allowing visibility
from multiple angles.

Understanding reflection is essential for various applications:

1. Optical Instruments: Mirrors are used in telescopes and cameras to focus light.
2. Safety: Reflective materials enhance visibility for road signs and clothing.
3. Decorative Uses: Mirrors are utilized in interior design to create an illusion of space.
QUESTIONS:
1. Consider Figure A. Which one of the angles (A, B, C, or D) is the angle of incidence? ______
Which one of the angles is the angle of reflection? ______

Figure B
Figure A

2. Refer to Figure B. A ray of light is incident towards a plane mirror at an angle of 30-degrees
with the mirror surface. What will be the angle of reflection?
3. Perhaps you have observed the image of the sun in the windows of distant buildings near
the time that the sun is rising or setting. However, the image of the sun is not seen in the
windows of distant building during midday. Use the diagram below to explain, drawing
appropriate light rays on the diagram.

4. A ray of light is approaching a set of three mirrors as shown in the diagram. The light ray is
approaching the first mirror at an angle of 45-degrees with the mirror surface. Trace the
path of the light ray as it bounces off the mirror. Continue tracing the ray until it finally
exits from the mirror system. How many times will the ray reflect before it finally exits?
MULTIPLE CHOICE:
_____1. What is the reflection of light?
A. Absorption of light by a surface C. Bouncing of light off a
surface
B. Refraction of light through a surface D. Diffusion of light into a
medium
_____2. What is the line drawn perpendicular to the surface at the point where light strikes
called?
A. Incident line B. Normal line C. Reflection line D.
Parallel line
_____3. What are the two types of reflection?
A. Internal and External Reflection C. Specular and Diffuse
Reflection
B. Smooth and Rough Reflection D. Angle and Plane Reflection
_____4. Which of the following best describes specular reflection?
A. Light is absorbed by a rough surface
B. Light is scattered in all directions
C. Light reflects at different angles from a rough surface
D. Light reflects uniformly off a smooth surface
_____5. What does the law of reflection state?
A. The angle of incidence is smaller than the angle of reflection
B. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection
C. The incident ray and reflected ray lie in different planes
D. Light is always absorbed after reflection
_____6. In diffuse reflection, how does light behave after hitting a rough surface?
A. Light is absorbed by the surface C. Light scatters in many
directions
B. Light reflects at the same angle D. Light does not reflect
_____7. Which application best utilizes specular reflection?
A. Telescopes focusing light C. Rough Road surfaces reflecting light
B. Paper reflecting sunlight D. Mirrors diffusing light
_____8. Why is diffuse reflection useful in lighting a room?
A. It creates sharp images of objects C. It spreads light evenly across
the room
B. It focuses light on specific areas D. It absorbs the extra light
_____9. Which type of reflection would help improve visibility on road signs at night?
A. Specular Reflection C. Diffuse Reflection
B. Total internal reflection D. Refraction
_____10. Which of the following is true for both specular and diffuse reflection?
A. Light reflects only from smooth surfaces C. Light changes direction after
striking the surface
B. Light reflects uniformly in one direction D. Light scatters in multiple directions
_____11. In what way does the angle of incidence affect both types of reflection?
A. It only applies to diffuse reflection C. It determines whether light is
absorbed or not
B. It causes light to be refracted D. It influences the direction of the reflected
ray
_____12. How does specular reflection differ from diffuse reflection in terms of image
clarity?
A. Diffuse reflection produces clearer images. C. Specular reflection results in clearer
images
B. Both produce equally sharp images D. Neither produces clear images
_____13. Why might mirrors be preferred in optical instruments over surfaces that cause
diffuse reflection?
A. Diffuse reflection focuses light better C. Diffuse reflection scatters light for
clarity
B. Specular reflection absorbs more light D. Specular reflection produces a more
precise image
_____14. Which would be a better choice for reflective clothing, a material that causes
specular reflection or diffuse reflection? Why?
A. Specular, because it reflects light directly back
B. Diffuse, because it makes the wearer visible from different angles
C. Specular, because it absorbs light and increases visibility
D. Diffuse, because it creates sharp, clear images
_____15. If you were designing a safety reflector for nighttime visibility, how would you use
your understanding of light reflection to improve it?
A. B. Use materials that absorb light to prevent glare
B. Design it to reflect light away from the source
C. Make it from materials that cause specular reflection to create sharp images.
D. Use materials that cause diffuse reflection to reflect light in multiple directions