Reflection of Light - Definition, Properties, Types, FAQs

​When you stand in front of the mirror you can see your own reflection, this phenomenon occurs because of the reflection of light. Reflection is an important phenomenon in Physics, as it is a key concept of many image-creating devices like Cameras, and telescopes. Let's discuss the reflection of light in detail.

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This Story also Contains

1. What is Reflection of Light?
2. Laws of Reflection
3. Types of Reflection

What is Reflection of Light?

When a ray of light hits the surface, it bounces back from the surface. This bouncing back of light from the surface is called as Reflection of Light.

It is a fundamental concept in optics and necessary for creating images in devices like cameras, telescopes, and eyeglasses. Reflection of light follows the Law of reflection.

Laws of Reflection

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection: The angle formed by the incident ray with the normal is the same as the angle formed by the reflected ray with the same normal.

The Incident Ray, the Reflected Ray, and the Normal All Lie in the Same Plane: The reflected light, incident light (incoming light), and the normal line all lie in the same plane.

Let's understand the Law of Reflection by an example:

Consider a plane mirror XX'. Let MO be the light rays incident on the plane mirror at O. The ray MO is called the incident ray. The plane mirror reflects the incident ray along ON. The ray ON is called a reflected ray. Draw a line OP at O perpendicular to XX'. The line OP is called the normal.

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The angle made by the incident ray with the normal is called the angle of incidence(i=angle MOP). The reflected ray ON makes an angle with the normal and this is called the angle of reflection.(r=angle PON). From the figure, you can observe that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection (i.e.∠r).

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Types of Reflection

The reflection is classified as follows:

• Specular reflection
• Diffused reflection
• Multiple reflection

Specular Reflection

The mirror-like reflection of waves, such as light, from a surface, is known as specular reflection or regular reflection. Specular reflection reflects light from a single direction at the same angle. The diffraction of a plane wave on a flat boundary causes the reflection phenomena. The electromagnetic fields at the border oscillate exactly in phase only in the specular direction when the boundary size is significantly bigger than the wavelength. A mirror specifically designed for specular reflection is an example of specular reflection. Regular reflection, for example, causes a glare in the eyes, making an object less visible. Regular reflection is an example of sunlight reflected from a metallic car body, or silver or gold surfaces.

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Diffused Reflection

When light reaches a material's surface, it reflects around in all directions due to the various reflections from microscopic imperfections inside the material and its rough surface. This is known as the diffused reflection. The actual shape of the reflection is determined by the material's structure. Lambertian reflectance is a prominent diffuse reflection model in which light is reflected with equal intensity or radiance in all directions, as specified by Lambert's cosine law. Most of the light we see comes from diffuse reflection from an object's surface. In contrast to specular reflection, diffuse reflection occurs when light is scattered in a variety of directions away from the surface. Diffuse reflection reflects light from a wide variety of directions. Diffuse reflection allows items to be seen.

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Multiple Reflection

One vision arises when light reflects off a mirror. The appearance of an infinite number of images along a straight line is created by two mirrors aligned perfectly face to face. A circle is formed by the various images perceived between two mirrors that would be at an angle to each other. The virtual intersection of the mirrors is where the circle's center is placed. The appearance of an infinite number of pictures organized in a plane is created by a square of four mirrors set face to face. The numerous images seen between four mirrors forming a pyramid, each pair at an angle to the other, lie across a spherical surface. For instance, KALEIDOSCOPE is a lovely pattern created by many reflections. Periscopes take advantage of it. Submarines, battle tanks, and bunker soldiers all use periscopes to see items that aren't visible directly.

Total Internal Reflection

Total internal reflection is a phenomenon that occurs when light travels from the medium with a high refractive index to a low refractive index.

Optical fibers and mirages are examples of Total Internal Reflection.

Conditions to achieve the total internal reflection:

In order to achieve the total internal reflection, the following conditions must be met,

• Light must pass through a denser medium to reach a rarer medium.
• The angle of incidence inside the denser medium must be larger than the critical angle, for example, from water to air.