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Reflection

Reflection in physics refers to the bouncing back of light rays from smooth surfaces, categorized into regular (specular) and diffuse (irregular) reflection. The laws of reflection state that the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane, and the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Applications include mirrors, periscopes, and optical instruments, with special mirrors like concave and convex serving specific purposes.

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75 views6 pages

Reflection

Reflection in physics refers to the bouncing back of light rays from smooth surfaces, categorized into regular (specular) and diffuse (irregular) reflection. The laws of reflection state that the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal lie in the same plane, and the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. Applications include mirrors, periscopes, and optical instruments, with special mirrors like concave and convex serving specific purposes.

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ligawacalvince
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Here’s a comprehensive, exam-ready summary of Reflection in physics:

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Reflection of Light

Definition:

Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays when they strike a smooth surface, such as a mirror, without
passing through it.

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Types of Reflection

1. Regular (Specular) Reflection

Occurs on smooth, polished surfaces (e.g., mirrors, calm water).

Parallel incident rays remain parallel after reflection.

Produces clear images.


2. Diffuse (Irregular) Reflection

Occurs on rough or uneven surfaces (e.g., paper, walls).

Parallel rays are scattered in many directions.

Does not produce clear images.

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Laws of Reflection

1. Law 1: The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal (at the point of incidence) all lie in the same
plane.

2. Law 2: The angle of incidence (i) is equal to the angle of reflection (r).

Mathematically: i = r
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Key Terms

Incident Ray: The incoming ray that strikes a surface.

Reflected Ray: The ray that bounces back from the surface.

Normal: A perpendicular line drawn to the reflecting surface at the point of incidence.

Angle of Incidence (i): The angle between the incident ray and the normal.

Angle of Reflection (r): The angle between the reflected ray and the normal.

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Characteristics of Images in a Plane Mirror

Virtual (cannot be formed on a screen).

Upright (erect).
Same size as the object.

Laterally inverted (left ↔ right reversed).

Same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front.

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Applications of Reflection

Mirrors (for personal grooming, decoration).

Periscopes (for submarines, observation).

Kaleidoscopes (for patterns and designs).

Optical instruments (e.g., telescopes, microscopes).

Road safety devices (cat’s eyes reflectors, vehicle mirrors).


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Special Mirrors

Concave mirror: Converges light, used in shaving mirrors, headlights, solar cookers.

Convex mirror: Diverges light, gives a wider field of view, used in vehicle side mirrors.

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Real-life Examples

Seeing yourself in a mirror.

Reflection of sunlight on calm water.

Shiny floors reflecting light.

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If you want, I can also prepare a labeled diagram of reflection showing the laws so your notes become
fully complete and visual.
Do you want me to add that?

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