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Understanding Light Waves: Reflection, Rays, and Mirrors in Physics

This guide explores the principles of light waves and the phenomena of reflection. Light is represented by straight lines, known as rays, indicating its direction and path. We see objects due to light reflecting off their surfaces. Smooth surfaces reflect light at consistent angles, while rough surfaces scatter the rays. The angles of incidence and reflection are crucial in understanding how light behaves. Using protractors, we can measure these angles accurately. Plane mirrors create virtual images that are right-left reversed but equal in size and distance from the mirror.

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Understanding Light Waves: Reflection, Rays, and Mirrors in Physics

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  1. Reflection LIGHT Principles of Physics

  2. Representing Light Waves It is impossible to see the actual wave shape (crests and troughs, etc) of a light wave Instead we draw straight lines, called RAYS, that show the direction and path followed by the light

  3. Representing Light Waves Rays: • Show wave path and direction • Are always straight lines • Are incident when incoming • Are reflected when they bounce back • Are refracted when transmitted at a new direction

  4. Reflection We see objects because light reflects off of them into our eyes

  5. Reflection Smooth surface – all rays reflect at same angle Reflection and Mirrors Rough surface – all rays reflect at different angles

  6. Representing Light Waves Direction of a light ray is indicated by an angle from a line perpendicular to the surface where the light hits

  7. Angle of Incidence • Angle of light coming toward the surface • Incident = incoming Normal Incident Ray i

  8. Law of Reflection The angle of incidence, θi, equals the angle of reflection, θr θi= θr θi θr

  9. Normal Line • Line perpendicular to the surface where the light hits Normal line 90˚ Light ray

  10. Measuring with the Protractor Normal line • Position the protractor such that the center hole is located where the normal line and the light hits the surface (the zero line should be on the normal line) • Determine the angle from the normal line to the light 40˚ Light ray 90˚ Measuring Angles Game

  11. Drawing with the Protractor Normal line • Predict where the light will go once it reflects • Position the protractor such that the center hole is located where the normal line and the reflected light leaves the surface(the zero line should be on the normal line) • Locate the angle of reflection starting from the normal line. • Draw the reflected ray from the surface at your measured angle using a ruler 40˚ Light ray 90˚

  12. Plane Mirrors Straight, flat mirrors Images: • Appear to be behind the mirror (virtual) • Same size as object • Same distance behind mirror that object is in front • Right-left reversed

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