Class 10 Reflection of Light

Study Notes

Class 10 Reflection of Light

Light travels in straight lines, known as rectilinear propagation.
When light strikes a surface, it can be reflected, absorbed, or transmitted.
Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays when they hit a surface.
The incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane.
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Laws of Reflection

First Law: The incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal at the point of incidence lie in the same plane.
Second Law: The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Plane Mirrors

A plane mirror is a flat, smooth surface that reflects light.
Images formed by plane mirrors are virtual, upright, and the same size as the object.
The image distance equals the object distance.
The image is laterally inverted (left-right reversed).

Convex Mirrors

A convex mirror bulges outwards.
The reflecting surface curves outwards.
Images formed by convex mirrors are always virtual, upright, and diminished (smaller than the object).
Convex mirrors have a wider field of view than plane mirrors or concave mirrors.
This wider field of view makes them useful as rearview mirrors in vehicles.

Concave Mirrors

A concave mirror curves inwards.
The reflecting surface curves inwards.
Images formed by concave mirrors can be real or virtual, depending on the position of the object.
A real image is formed when the object is beyond the focal point. A virtual image is formed when the object is between the mirror and the focal point.
If the object is at the center of curvature, the image will be real, inverted, and the same size as the object.
If the object is between the center of curvature and the focal point, the image will be real, inverted, and larger than the object.
When the object is between the focal point and the mirror, the image will be virtual, upright, and larger than the object.
Concave mirrors are used in searchlights, torches, and shaving mirrors.

Applications of Reflection

Rearview mirrors in cars and trucks (convex mirrors provide a wider field of view).
Periscopes (used in submarines and tanks).
Telescopes and binoculars (for viewing distant objects)
Reflectors (used in road signs, bicycles, and clothing).
Dentists' mirrors (concave mirrors magnify objects).
Makeup mirrors (concave mirrors can enlarge objects).
Solar furnaces and ovens (concave mirrors can concentrate sunlight).
Security mirrors (often found in shops or hallways)

Description

Test your understanding of the concepts of reflection of light as outlined in Class 10 physics. This quiz covers laws of reflection, characteristics of plane and convex mirrors, and the behavior of light rays. Assess your knowledge on how light interacts with different surfaces.