reflection and refraction

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it hits a surface. For example, when you look in a mirror, you see your reflection.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is refraction?

Back

Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, like from air to water. This bending causes objects to appear shifted or distorted.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

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. This means that the angle at which light hits a surface is the same as the angle at which it bounces off.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the angle of incidence?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the angle of reflection?

Back

The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected light ray and the normal at the point of contact.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

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

Back

When light passes from air into water, it slows down and bends towards the normal line, causing refraction.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is a normal line in reflection and refraction?

Back

A normal line is an imaginary line that is perpendicular to the surface at the point where the light ray hits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

Can you give an example of refraction in everyday life?

Back

An example of refraction is when a straw appears bent when placed in a glass of water. This is due to the bending of light as it moves from water to air.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is total internal reflection?

Back

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

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-1

NGSS.MS-PS4-2

Front

What is the critical angle?

Back

The critical angle is the angle of incidence above which total internal reflection occurs. It depends on the two media involved.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS4-2