REFLECTION OF LIGHT IN PLANE MIRRORS
REFLECTION
*Reflection is the bouncing back of light into the
original medium where it has been traveling
after hitting a surface.
Two Types of Reflection
1. Regular or Specular Reflection – In
specular reflection, the reflected rays
are parallel to each other. This type of
reflection is done by smooth surfaces.
2. Irregular or Diffuse Reflection – In
diffuse reflection, the reflected rays are
in different angles and directions.
Rough surfaces have irregular
reflections.
THE LAWS OF REFLECTION
*The laws of reflection are:
• The incident ray, the normal, and the
reflected ray lie in one plane.
• The angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection.
Fig 1. Laws of Reflection
IMAGE FORMATION IN MIRRORS
*A mirror is an object or device that reflects
light. It may be classified as a plane mirror, a
concave mirror, or a convex mirror.
*Images produced by mirrors depend on the
type of mirror and the location of the object.
*The characteristics of an image may be
described in terms of its location, orientation,
size (magnification), and type.
1. Location – an image may be formed in front
or at the back of a mirror
2. Orientation – an image may either be
upright or inverted
3. Size (magnification) – the image formed can
either be reduced or enlarged
4. Type – an image can be real or virtual
*Virtual images are formed when light rays
only appear to converge but do not actually
do so. Virtual images are right side up and
mirror
Fig 2. Image Formation in Plane Mirrors
cannot be projected on a screen. Virtual
images are always upright.
*Real images are formed when light rays
actually converge. Real images are inverted
and can be projected on a screen. They are
always inverted.
IMAGES FORMED BY A PLANE MIRROR
*The image formed by a plane mirror is of the
same size as the object, as far behind the mirror
as the object is in front; virtual and upright but
laterally reversed.
SOME USES OF PLANE MIRRORS
*Plane mirrors have variety of uses which
include being used in kaleidoscopes, reflecting
telescopes, compound microscopes, and
periscopes. They are also used as a looking
glass, as a reflector, and for other practical
purposes.
LEGENDS:
Reflected ray
Incident ray
Normal line
Virtual lines