GRADE 9 PHYSICS REVISION SHEET CHAPTER 4: LIGHT (Reflection and Refraction)

(a) show an understanding that light travels in a straight line; (d) illustrate and/or construct simple ray diagrams for a plane mirror to show reflection of light;

Light travels in a straight line and this can be demonstrated by using the set up shown below. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

If positions of the lamp and the observer are inter-

changed, the light rays follow the same path through
the holes in the cardboard.

For the observer to see the light from the lamp, the
holes in the cardboard should be along the same line
(aligned). (e) show an understanding of the characteristics of an image formed by a plane mirror;
If any one of the card is displaced then light will not
Characteristics of an image formed by plane mirror
be able to travel through the cardboard as it is opaque.
(b) differentiate between luminous and 1. Image is virtual ( i.e, it cannot be focused on screen).
Then the observer does not see the light from the lamp.
non-luminous objects; 2. Image size is equal to size of object.
Luminous Objects 3. It is laterally inverted
A Luminous object is one that emits light energy. (f) state the laws of refraction of light ( i.e, left side becomes right, and vice versa).
Examples: Lamp, Lighted candle, Sun (Stars)
Non-luminous objects 4. Image distance is equal to Object distance.
LAWS OF REFRACTION
A non-luminous object is one that does not emit light 1. The incident ray, the refracted ray and the normal, at point of incidence, all lie in the same plane. 5. Image is upright.
energy.
Examples: Rock, Paper, Moon, Mirror, Wood 2. For two given media, the ratio sin i / sin r is a constant.
Transparent media Ray diagrams for refraction
A transparent medium is a medium through which light (g) illustrate refraction of light at a boundary by means of ray diagrams;
can travel.
Original path When a ray of light travels from air to a glass
Examples: Air, Glass, Water, Vacuum block, the refracted ray bends towards the
Opaque medium is one through which light cannot A ray of light travelling from water normal
pass. (denser medium), gets refracted away
Examples: Wall, table, cardboard, from normal as it passes through air
Refracted ray
(less dense medium)
(c) state the laws of reflection of light;

LAWS OF REFLECTION
1. The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal at the point of air
Incident ray
incidence, all lie in the same plane.
2. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. (h) describe simple applications of refraction of light water
[ i = r]

Air

If an incident ray is along the normal, that is, the

i r angle of incidence is zero; the ray passes through the Glass
A swimming pool appears shallower when viewed from the surface. other optical medium without any deflection.

A pencil dipped in water appears bent when seen from the surface.