1. Reflection
By:Nancy Ramirez and Katlin Sapp

2. Objectives
•
Distinguish between specular and diffuse reflection of
light.
•
Apply the law of reflection for flat mirrors.
•
Describe the nature of images formed by flat mirrors.

3. Introduction
•
•
•
In this lesson the students will learn the differences
between specular and diffuse reflection of light.
The students will learn how to apply the law of reflection
for flat mirrors.
Students will learn to describe the nature of images
formed by flat mirrors.

4. Specular vs. Diffuse
Reflection
•
•
Specular Reflection is when light is reflected at an
angle, from a smooth surface.
Diffuse Reflection is when light is reflected in all
directions from a rough surface.

5. Law of Reflection
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•
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The relationship between an angle of reflection and the
angle of incidence is known as the Law of Reflection.
Incident and Reflected rays make equal angles with a
perpendicular line to the surface which is called the
Normal.
The ray of light that approaches the mirror is the
Incident Ray.
The ray of light that leaves the mirror is known as the
Reflected Ray.

6. Law of Reflection cont.
•
•
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The angle between the incident ray and the normal line is
the Angle of Incidence.
The angle between the reflected ray and the normal line is
the Angle of Reflection.
The law of reflection states that the
Angle of Incidence=Angle of Reflection

7. •
•
•
Nature images formed by
flat mirrors
The two types of images are real images and virtual
images.
Real images are formed by rays that converge at the
image point in a mirror.
Virtual images are images whose light rays do not
converge at the image point but appear to emerge from
that point.

8. Nature images formed by
flat mirrors cont.
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Virtual images are usually seen in flat mirrors.
To know where an image is formed, follow two rays of
light as they reflect from the mirror.

9. Bibliography
•
•
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Davidson, M. W. (n.d.). Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer:
Light and Color - Specular and Diffuse Reflection: Interactive Java
Tutorial. Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Light and Color
- Specular and Diffuse Reflection: Interactive Java Tutorial.
Retrieved October 18, 2013, from
http://www.micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java
Gibbs, K. (n.d.). REFLECTION (Plane mirrors). schoolphysics
::Welcome::. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from
http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age1619/Optics/Reflection/text/Reflection_/index.html
Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection. (n.d.). Specular vs. Diffuse
Reflection. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from
http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/refln/

10. Bibliography Cont.
•
•
The Law of Reflection. (n.d.). The Law of Reflection. Retrieved
October 21, 2013, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia
The Law of Reflection. (n.d.). The Law of Reflection. Retrieved
October 22, 2013, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia