5.54. Law of Reflection http://www.ck12.org
5.54 Law of Reflection
- Define reflection and image.
- Compare and contrast regular and diffuse reflection.
- State the law of reflection.
These dancers are practicing in front of a mirror so they can see how they look as they performs. They’re watching
their image in the mirror as they dance. What is an image, and how does it get “inside” a mirror? In this article,
you’ll find out.
Reflected Light and Images
Reflectionis one of several ways that light can interact with matter. Light reflects off surfaces such as mirrors that
do not transmit or absorb light. When light is reflected from a smooth surface, it may form an image. Animageis a
copy of an object that is formed by reflected (or refracted) light.
Q:Is an image an actual object? If not, what is it?
A:No, an image isn’t an actual object. It is focused rays of light that make a copy of an object, like a picture
projected on a screen.
Regular and Diffuse Reflection
If a surface is extremely smooth, as it is in a mirror, then the image formed by reflection is sharp and clear. This is
called regular reflection (also called specular reflection). However, if the surface is even slightly rough or bumpy, an
image may not form, or if there is an image, it is blurry or fuzzy. This is called diffuse reflection.
Q:Look at the boats and their images in theFigure5.120. Which one represents regular reflection, and which one
represents diffuse reflection?