Reflection or Refraction?

Front

What is Reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays when they hit a surface. For example, when you look in a mirror, you see your reflection.

Front

What is Refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light rays as they pass from one medium to another, like from air to water.

Front

What happens to light when it strikes a smooth surface?

Back

The light is reflected.

Front

What happens to light when it passes through a prism?

Back

It is separated into the colors of the visible spectrum.

Front

Why does a straw look bent in a glass of water?

Back

Because light is refracted as it passes from air into water.

Front

What is an example of Reflection?

Back

Seeing your image in a calm lake or a mirror.

Front

What is an example of Refraction?

Back

A pencil appearing broken when placed in a glass of water.

Front

What do we call the angle at which light hits a surface?

Back

The angle of incidence.

Front

What do we call the angle at which light reflects off a surface?

Back

The angle of reflection.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.