Light: Reflection and Refraction

Reflection

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface. A mirror reflects light so we can see our image.

Laws of Reflection

• The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
• The incident ray, reflected ray and normal all lie in the same plane.

Refraction

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, for example from air into water. This is why a straw looks bent in a glass of water.

Key Points

Reflection lets us see objects; refraction is used in lenses and spectacles.