Reflection of Light Activities

Reflection of Light

• Light rays act as idealisations, but in reality, beams of light are made up of multiple rays.
• For simplicity, the term "ray" is frequently used for a concentrated beam of light.
• Draw lines to represent a mirror, the incident ray and reflected ray,
• A normal line drawn at 90 degrees to the mirror at the point where the ray strikes helps visualise the angle of incidence (i) and the angle of reflection (r).
• The angle of incidence (i) is the angle between the normal and the incident ray.
• The angle of reflection (r) is the angle between the normal and the reflected ray.
• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection (i = r)

Activity 13.1

• This activity involves measuring the angle of incidence and angle of reflection.
• This should be done multiple times, changing the angle of incidence
• Recorded data should be logged in a table.

Activity 13.2

• Repeat Activity 13.1, using a sheet of stiff/chart paper that extends beyond the table edge.
• Cut the projecting portion of the sheet in half.
• Ensure the reflected ray continues to the projected portion of the paper.
• Bend the section of the paper where the reflected ray falls.
• Observe if the reflected ray is still visible.
• Move the paper back to its original position.