Reflection (physics)
Reflection (Physics)
Reflection is a fundamental concept in the field of Physics. It refers to the change in direction of a Wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated.
Pronunciation
Re-flec-tion (rɪˈflɛkʃən)
Etymology
The term 'Reflection' is derived from the Latin word 'Reflectere', which means 'to bend back'.
Related Terms
- Refraction: The change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another caused by its change in speed.
- Diffraction: The process by which a beam of light or other system of waves is spread out as a result of passing through a narrow aperture or across an edge.
- Interference (wave propagation): A phenomenon in which two waves superpose to form a resultant wave of greater, lower, or the same amplitude.
- Absorption (physics): The way in which the energy of a photon is taken up by matter, typically the electrons of an atom.
Laws of Reflection
The behavior of light, sound, and other waves during reflection is encapsulated in two laws known as the Laws of Reflection:
1. The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the reflection surface at the point of the incidence all lie in the same plane. 2. The angle which the incident ray makes with the normal is equal to the angle which the reflected ray makes to the same.
Types of Reflection
Reflection can be categorized into two types:
- Specular Reflection: Reflection from a smooth, shiny surface, where the light is reflected in a single direction.
- Diffuse Reflection: Reflection from a rough surface where incident light rays are reflected in all directions.
Applications of Reflection
Reflection has numerous applications in daily life and various fields of science. Some of these include:
- Mirrors: The most common use of reflection. Mirrors reflect light in such a way that the reflected light preserves much of its original quality.
- Periscopes: Devices used in submarines to see objects when submerged underwater.
- Telescopes: Devices that gather light and other forms of electromagnetic radiation to observe distant objects.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Reflection (physics)
- Wikipedia's article - Reflection (physics)
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