Reflection of light ?

Reflection of light is the process of bouncing back light rays when it strikes the smooth and shiny reflecting surface. It is due to the reflection of light we are able to see ourselves in the Plane mirror. Light from our incident on the plane mirror gets reflected and so we are able to see our virtual image on the mirror. 

Reflection is produced by all the waves namely, Light waves, Electromagnetic waves, Sound waves, and waves that form on the water’s surface. The reflection of a light wave follows some set of rules known as the Laws of Reflection. There are two essential laws of reflection, according to which the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection made by the light wave on the smooth reflecting surface are equal. Also, the incident ray, normal, reflected ray, incident angle, and reflected angle, all lie on the same plane. In this article, we’ll learn What is a reflection of Light is? Reflection of light through the plane mirror, Laws and Types of reflection, along with frequently asked questions on the same. 

What is Reflection of Light? The phenomenon, known as “reflection” or “reflection of light,” occurs when a light beam strikes any polished, smooth, or bright object and bounces back to our eyes. This phenomenon gives us a basis on which to view the environment. Light propagates in a straight line before, after, and during reflection. 

For example, the twinkling of stars or the light that a mirror reflects. Here is the list of important terminologies used in Reflection of Light as shown in the figure above:

 • Normal: A perpendicular drawn to the reflecting surface at point M (known as the point of incidence) is called the normal to the reflecting surface. 

• Incident Ray: A ray of light that falls on the reflecting surface from a light source or an object is called the incident ray. 

• Reflected Ray: A ray of light that arises from the reflecting surface after reflection from it is called a reflected ray. 

• Angle of Incidence: The angle between the incident ray and normal to the point of incidence on the reflecting surface is known as the incident angle or Bugle of incidence. It is denoted by ∠i. 

• Angle of Reflection: The angle between the reflected ray and the normal to the point of incidence on the reflecting surface is known as the angle of reflection. It is denoted by ∠r.

 • Principal axis: It is defined as a line that divides the two mediums or the reflecting surface is called the principal axis.

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