Understanding Light Reflection

What is light reflection?

• Light reflection is the scattering of light in all directions.

• Light reflection is the absorption of light by a surface.

• Light reflection is the bouncing of light off a surface.

• Light reflection is the conversion of light into heat energy.

Answer explanation

Light reflection refers to the bouncing of light off a surface, which is the correct definition. The other options describe different phenomena, such as scattering, absorption, and conversion to heat.

Describe how light behaves when it hits a plane surface.

• Light only reflects when hitting a plane surface.

• Light disappears completely upon contact with a plane surface.

• Light behaves by reflecting, refracting, or being absorbed when it hits a plane surface.

• Light creates a shadow without any other effects on a plane surface.

Answer explanation

When light hits a plane surface, it can reflect, refract, or be absorbed. This means it does not only reflect or disappear; instead, it interacts with the surface in multiple ways, making the correct choice comprehensive.

What is the law of reflection?

• The angle of incidence is always greater than the angle of reflection.

• The angle of reflection is always zero degrees.

• The angle of incidence and reflection are unrelated to each other.

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Answer explanation

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence, which is the angle between the incoming ray and the normal, equals the angle of reflection, the angle between the reflected ray and the normal.

State the angle of incidence in relation to the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is always greater than the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is half of the angle of reflection.

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

• The angle of incidence is perpendicular to the angle of reflection.

Answer explanation

The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, as stated by the law of reflection. This means that when a ray of light strikes a surface, the angle at which it hits is the same as the angle at which it reflects.

How can you demonstrate the law of reflection with a mirror?

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence is always greater than the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence and reflection are unrelated.

• Light does not reflect off a mirror.

Answer explanation

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence, which is the angle between the incoming light ray and the normal, equals the angle of reflection, the angle between the reflected ray and the normal. Thus, the correct choice is that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

What happens to light rays when they strike a rough surface?

• Light rays reflect in a single direction.

• Light rays scatter in multiple directions.

• Light rays are absorbed completely.

• Light rays pass through without any change.

Answer explanation

When light rays strike a rough surface, they scatter in multiple directions due to the uneven texture. This scattering is why rough surfaces appear matte and diffuse light rather than reflecting it in a single direction.

Draw a ray diagram showing the reflection of light from a plane mirror.

• A ray diagram showing the reflection of light from a plane mirror includes an incident ray, a normal line at the point of incidence, and a reflected ray, with angles of incidence and reflection being equal.

• A ray diagram showing only the incident ray without reflection.

• A diagram depicting light bending through a prism instead of reflecting.

• A ray diagram with multiple reflected rays at different angles.

Answer explanation

The correct choice illustrates a ray diagram with an incident ray, a normal line, and a reflected ray, demonstrating that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, which is fundamental in understanding light reflection.

What is the normal line in a reflection diagram?

• The normal line is the angle of incidence measured from the reflective surface.

• The normal line is a curved line that follows the shape of the reflective surface.

• The normal line is the line that reflects the light away from the surface.

• The normal line is a perpendicular line at the point of incidence on a reflective surface.

Answer explanation

The normal line is defined as a perpendicular line at the point of incidence on a reflective surface. This is crucial for understanding how light reflects according to the law of reflection.

How does the smoothness of a surface affect light reflection?

• Smooth surfaces absorb all light, while rough surfaces reflect none.

• Smooth surfaces reflect light more uniformly, while rough surfaces scatter light.

• Smooth surfaces scatter light in all directions, while rough surfaces reflect it directly.

• Rough surfaces reflect light more uniformly than smooth surfaces.

Answer explanation

Smooth surfaces reflect light more uniformly due to their even texture, while rough surfaces scatter light in various directions because of their irregularities. This distinction is key in understanding light behavior on different surfaces.

What is the difference between regular and diffuse reflection?

• Regular reflection occurs only on smooth surfaces, while diffuse reflection happens on rough surfaces.

• Regular reflection is only seen in mirrors, whereas diffuse reflection is seen in all materials.

• Regular reflection produces clear images, while diffuse reflection scatters light and results in blurred images.

• Diffuse reflection creates clear images, while regular reflection scatters light.

Answer explanation

Regular reflection occurs on smooth surfaces, producing clear images, while diffuse reflection occurs on rough surfaces, scattering light and resulting in blurred images. This distinction highlights the correct choice.