![]() ![]() (regardless of the orientation of the surface) Each ray strikes a surface with a different orientation yet each ray reflects in accordance with the law of reflection. ![]() A series of incident rays and their corresponding reflected rays are depicted in the diagram below. As long as the normal (perpendicular line to the surface) can be drawn at the point of incidence, the angle of incidence can be measured and the direction of the reflected ray can be determined. This predictability concerning the reflection of light is applicable to the reflection of light off of level (horizontal) surfaces, vertical surfaces, angled surfaces, and even curved surfaces. The light ray will then reflect in such a manner that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. ![]() Once a normal to the surface at the point of incidence is drawn, the angle of incidence can then be determined. This gives a ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum over the speed of light in the substance.It was mentioned earlier in this lesson that light reflects off surfaces in a very predictable manner - in accordance with the law of reflection. In order to measure how light will behave in different substances, scientists use the index of refraction. This is the light wave bending as it enters the water. You will see how the straw seems to move to the side. You can see an example of refraction of light in water if you put a straw in a glass of water. The speed of the light wave also changes when it moves from medium to medium. In this way light behaves like other waves such as sound waves. This is a "wave-like" behavior and is called refraction. When light moves from one medium (like air) to another medium (like water) it will change directions. This causes the beams of light to reflect at different angles. The surface may appear or feel smooth, like a piece of paper, but it is actually rough at the microscopic level. Diffuse reflections occur when a surface is rough at the microscopic level. Diffuse reflection - A diffuse reflection is when a surface reflects rays of light in a broad range of directions.Specular reflections occur on surfaces that are flat at the microscopic level such as polished silver or a smooth body of water. An example of this type of reflection is a mirror. Specular reflection - A specular reflection is when rays of light are reflected off a surface in a single outgoing direction.This means that the angle of the reflected wave of light will equal the angle of incidence of the incoming light wave. When light is reflected it obeys the law of reflection that is followed by waves. How reflective the surface is will determine how much light (and what wavelengths of light) will be reflected and how much will be absorbed or transmitted. When a wave strikes a new medium, some of the wave will bounce off the surface. How light reflects off objects affects the colors we see as well. It is reflected light that we see with our eyes. ![]() One of the most important wave-like behaviors of light is reflection. On this page we will describe some of the behaviors of light as a wave including reflection, refraction, and diffraction. Light has the unique property that it can be described in physics as both a wave and as a stream of particles called photons. In physics, light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is visible to the eye. ![]()
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