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- Light rays that reflect follow the law of reflection. The law of reflection states that the angle of reflection * is equal to the angle of incidence. Light rays that pass through an interface are transmitted rays. These rays bend. This bending is called refraction.
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Nov 14, 2024 · Light - Reflection, Refraction, Physics: Light rays change direction when they reflect off a surface, move from one transparent medium into another, or travel through a medium whose composition is continuously changing.
Light reflects from a smooth surface at the same angle as it hits the surface. For a smooth surface, reflected light rays travel in the same direction. This is called specular reflection. For a rough surface, reflected light rays scatter in all directions. This is called diffuse reflection.
In the situations shown here, light interacts with objects large enough that it travels in straight lines, like a ray. Experiments, as well as our own experiences, show that when light interacts with objects several times as large as its wavelength, it travels in straight lines and acts like a ray.
The manner in which visible light interacts with an object is dependent upon the frequency of the light and the nature of the atoms of the object. In this section of Lesson 2 we will discuss how and why light of certain frequencies can be selectively absorbed, reflected or transmitted.
Nov 14, 2024 · Light from the Sun warms the Earth, drives global weather patterns, and initiates the life-sustaining process of photosynthesis; about 10 22 joules of solar radiant energy reach Earth each day. Light’s interactions with matter have also helped shape the structure of the universe.
Experiments, as well as our own experiences, show that when light interacts with objects several times as large as its wavelength, it travels in straight lines and acts like a ray. Its wave characteristics are not pronounced in such situations.
Nov 14, 2024 · It is easy to imagine representing a narrow beam of light by a collection of parallel arrows—a bundle of rays. As the beam of light moves from one medium to another, reflects off surfaces, disperses, or comes to a focus, the bundle of rays traces the beam’s progress in a simple geometrical manner.