Learn Science [Form 2]

Chapter 1 - Lesson 7 part 1

CHAPTER 1: THE WORLD THROUGH OUR SENSES

1.7 Light and Sight

Reflection of light

1 Reflection of light takes place when light rays fall on the surface of an opaque object and bounce off it.

2 (a) An example of the reflection of light is a student looking at his image on the surface of a lake.
(b) The formation of an image in a mirror is another example of light reflection.

3 (a) The amount and direction of the reflected light depend on the type of the surface the light falls on.
(b) Plane mirrors and shiny metals are good light reflectors because they have smooth and flat surfaces.
(c) When a flat and smooth surface like a mirror reflects light in a regular pattern. This is referred to as a regular reflection (Figure 1.13)

Figure 1.13 Regular reflection

(d) When light falls on irregular surfaces like paper and cloth, the reflected light rays are scattered in different directions. This is shown in Figure 1.14 and is referred to as a diffused reflection.

Figure 1.14 Diffused reflection

(e) When light strikes a smooth reflecting surface (for example, a mirror) at an angle to the normal, it is reflected at the same angle on the opposite side of the normal.