Reflection

Question 1

What 3 things can happen when a wave hits a boundary

Answer 1

• When a wave hits a boundary between two different materials (mediums), the wave can be absorbed (the energy of the wave is added to the material’s energy store), refracted or reflected
• Which one occurs is dependent on the wavelength and the properties of both materials

Question 2

What is always true during reflection

Answer 2

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

Question 3

What is the point where the incoming ray meets the boundary called

Answer 3

• The point of incidence

Question 4

What is the normal

Answer 4

• A line exactly perpendicular to the boundary

Question 5

What is specular reflection

Answer 5

• Boundary is flat
• All normals are in the same direction
• All light enters and leaves at the same angle

Question 6

What is scattered / diffuse reflection

Answer 6

• Boundary is bumpy
• All normals are in different directions
• Light will be reflected in different directions
• Cannot see reflections clearly