Exploring Light: Reflection and Refraction

What is the Law of Reflection?

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

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

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

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

Name the two types of mirrors and describe one.

• Concave mirror and convex mirror.

• Prismatic mirror and optical mirror.

• Reflective mirror and refractive mirror.

• Flat mirror and spherical mirror.

How does light refract when passing through a lens?

• Light refracts by bending as it enters and exits the lens due to changes in speed in different media.

• Light passes straight through without bending.

• Light does not change speed in different media.

• Light only bends when it exits the lens.

State Snell's Law and explain its significance.

• Snell's Law states that n1 * sin(θ1) = n2 * sin(θ2), where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction, respectively.

• n1 / n2 = cos(θ1) / cos(θ2)

• n1 * tan(θ1) = n2 * tan(θ2)

• n1 + n2 = sin(θ1) + sin(θ2)

What conditions lead to Total Internal Reflection?

• Light must travel from a less dense medium to a denser medium.

• Total Internal Reflection occurs at any angle of incidence.

• Light must travel from a denser medium to a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle.

• Light must be polarized to achieve Total Internal Reflection.

List two applications of refraction in everyday life.

• Reflection in a mirror

• Bending of light in a vacuum

• Using a magnifying glass

• 1) Glasses or contact lenses, 2) Formation of rainbows

How does the angle of incidence relate to the angle of reflection?

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

• The angle of incidence and reflection are unrelated.

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

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

What is the difference between a concave and a convex mirror?

• Concave mirrors are used for viewing large areas; convex mirrors are used for focusing images.

• Concave mirrors diverge light; convex mirrors focus light.

• Concave mirrors focus light; convex mirrors diverge light.

• Concave mirrors are flat; convex mirrors are curved.

Explain how Snell's Law can be used to calculate the angle of refraction.

• Use Snell's Law: θ1 = arcsin((n2/n1) * sin(θ2)).

• The angle of refraction is always equal to the angle of incidence.

• Snell's Law states that the angle of refraction is 90 degrees.

• Use Snell's Law: θ2 = arcsin((n1/n2) * sin(θ1)).

Describe a practical example of Total Internal Reflection in fiber optics.

• Fiber optics rely on diffraction to transmit signals.

• Total Internal Reflection occurs in water to create ripples.

• Total Internal Reflection is used in mirrors to reflect light.

• Total Internal Reflection in fiber optics is used to transmit light signals through the fiber core, preventing loss and allowing for long-distance communication.