Contents
Key Stage 2
Meaning
Reflection is when light bounces off a surface.
About Reflection
- Reflection can be specular or diffuse.
- Specular Reflection happens from a shiny surface and makes an image (you can see a 'reflection').
- Diffuse Reflection happens from a dull surface and is how we see all objects.
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| Specular Reflection from the glass makes an image of the sky in the glass. | Diffuse Reflection from the fabric is how light gets from the fabric to our eyes to see it. |
Key Stage 3
Meaning
Reflection is when a wave bounces off a surface.
About Reflection
- All waves can be reflected.
- The reflection of sound is called an echo.
The Law of Reflection
- The Law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
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| The angle between the incident ray and the normal (angle of incidence) is the same as the angle between the reflected ray and the normal (angle of reflection). |
Specular and Diffuse Reflection
- Reflection of light can be specular or diffuse.
- Specular Reflection happens from a shiny surface and makes an image (you can see a 'reflection').
- Diffuse Reflection happens from a dull surface and is how we see all objects.
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| Specular Reflection happens from a smooth surface. | Diffuse Reflection happens from a rough surface. |
Key Stage 4
Meaning
Reflection is when a wave bounces off the interface between two media.
About Reflection
- All waves can be reflected (eg Light Waves, Water Waves, Ultrasound Waves, X-rays).
- Reflection takes place at the interface between two media.
- The chance of reflection at an interface depends upon the relative properties of those two media and the Angle of Incidence. Waves that arrive at an interface where there is a large difference in density or refractive index are more likely to be reflected.
- The reflection of sound is called an echo.
The Law of Reflection
- The Law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
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| The angle between the incident ray and the normal (angle of incidence) is the same as the angle between the reflected ray and the normal (angle of reflection). |
Specular and Diffuse Reflection
- Reflection of Electromagntic Waves can be specular or diffuse.
- Specular Reflection happens from a shiny, smooth surface and makes an image.
- Diffuse Reflection happens from a dull, rough surface sending the reflected rays in different directions.
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| Specular Reflection happens from a smooth surface. | Diffuse Reflection happens from a rough surface. |