There are two kinds of reflection based on the properties of reflecting surfaces: a) Regular reflection Therefore, we often consider glass mirrors when discussing about reflection of light. ![]() However, flat surfaces made of glass are very close to be smooth. This is very difficult to achieve as all surfaces have a number of holes, which distort their smoothness. The best reflective surfaces are those surfaces that are 100% flat and smooth.As a result, the reflected wave will have the same features as the original wave (frequency, wavelength, amplitude, speed etc.) except direction. If the reflective surface is ideal, light wave does not loose energy.Things to consider when dealing with reflection of light: During this process, the light bounces off the obstacle and changes its original direction. Types of Reflectionīeing a wave (EM wave), light also reflects when it encounters a large obstacle. Common examples of waves' reflection include the reflection of sound and water waves and especially of light waves. We say the wave reflects.īy definition, reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Such phenomenon is known as diffraction, as discussed in our physics tutorial on the Diffraction of Waves.īut what happens when a wave encounters a large obstacle on its way? In such cases, the wave cannot pass around the obstacle but it turns back after colliding with the obstacle as shown in the figure. We have discussed about situations in which a wave encounters a small obstacle and therefore, the wave passes around this obstacle but it still moves in the original direction. It is known as reflection and it is an integral part of our everyday lives. ![]() Why it seems like being a water pond at the end of the road in front of us when we are driving on a straight road during a hot summer day?Īll these questions are related to a very important phenomenon that occurs in waves in general and in light waves in particular we will discuss in this tutorial. Why are we burned at beach even when we stay all the day under the umbrella? Why do we clearly see objects around us during the day despite we are inside a building and we are not directly exposed to sunlight? How it is possible that you can see the image of yourself on a mirror but you cannot see it on a wall or a door? Why do we use the concept of normal line in reflection?.What happens to light when it falls on objects?. ![]()
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