Reflection, Refraction & Diffraction

Front

What is reflection in terms of light?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface, such as a mirror.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, due to a change in its speed.

Front

What is diffraction?

Back

Diffraction is the bending and spreading of waves around obstacles and openings.

Front

What happens to light when it passes from air into water?

Back

Light bends when it passes from air into water, causing objects like a pencil to appear broken.

Front

What is a medium in the context of wave travel?

Back

A medium is a material or substance through which a wave travels.

Front

What is the angle of incidence?

Back

The angle of incidence is the angle between the incoming ray of light and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface).

Front

What is the angle of reflection?

Back

The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray of light and the normal, and it is equal to the angle of incidence.

Front

Why do radio waves diffract more than light waves?

Back

Radio waves diffract more than light waves because they have a longer wavelength.

Front

What is the law of reflection?

Back

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

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