Optics: Reflection-Mirrors; Total Internal Reflection

Front

What is diffuse reflection?

Back

Diffuse reflection occurs when light hits a rough surface and scatters in many directions, making the surface appear matte.

Front

What are light rays?

Back

Light rays are straight lines that represent the path of light, often depicted with arrows to indicate direction.

Front

What type of cables transmit beams of light without allowing any of the light to escape?

Back

Fiber optic cables transmit beams of light without allowing any of the light to escape until it reaches the end of the cable.

Front

What is a concave mirror?

Back

A concave mirror is a mirror with a surface that curves inward, resembling the inside of a bowl, and can converge light rays.

Front

What principle do fiber optic cables work on?

Back

Fiber optic cables work on the principle of total internal reflection, allowing light to be transmitted efficiently.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

Total internal reflection is the phenomenon that occurs when a light ray hits a boundary at an angle greater than the critical angle, causing it to reflect entirely back into the medium.

Front

What is a convex mirror?

Back

A convex mirror is a mirror with a surface that curves outward, which diverges light rays and produces a virtual image.

Front

What is the critical angle in optics?

Back

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs, specific to the two media involved.

Front

What is specular reflection?

Back

Specular reflection is the reflection of light from a smooth surface, where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Front

What is a plane mirror?

Back

A plane mirror is a flat mirror that reflects light to form a virtual image that is the same size as the object.