Contents
Key Stage 3
Meaning
A Ray Diagram is a way to represent how light interacts with a boundary.
About Ray Diagrams
- A Ray Diagram shows how light rays travel in straight lines.
Ray Diagrams can be used to show:
- Diffuse Reflection - How we see objects.
- Specular Reflection - How we see images in shiny surfaces.
- Refraction - When light changes direction as it enters a new medium.
Diffuse Reflection
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| Diffuse Reflection allows us to see objects as the light from a light source bounces off a surface into our eyes. | Diffuse Reflection happens from a rough surface. |
Specular Reflection
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| Specular Reflection happens from a smooth surface. | Specular Reflection from a mirror can be seen to follow the Law of Reflection. |
Refraction
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| When light enters a new medium it changes direction. | Light is refracted as it passes from one medium into another. |