Physics Concepts

Front

What is reflection?

Back

Reflection is the bouncing back of light when it strikes a smooth surface.

Front

What are the laws of reflection?

Back

1. The angle of incidence (θi) is equal to the angle of reflection (θr). 2. The incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal (perpendicular to the surface) all lie in the same plane.

Front

What are the types of reflection?

Back

1. Regular Reflection: Occurs on a smooth surface; produces clear images (e.g., mirrors). 2. Diffuse Reflection: Occurs on rough surfaces; light scatters in different directions.

Front

What is refraction?

Back

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

Front

What is Snell's Law?

Back

n1sinθ1 = n2sinθ2, where n1 and n2 are the refractive indices of the two media, and θ1 and θ2 are the angles of incidence and refraction.

Front

What are the effects of refraction?

Back

1. Objects in water appear closer than they actually are. 2. A prism splits white light into a spectrum of colors. 3. Total Internal Reflection: When light travels from a denser to a less dense medium at an angle greater than the critical angle, it reflects entirely inside the denser medium (e.g., fiber optics).

Front

What is a concave mirror?

Back

A concave mirror is curved inward like a cave and converges light to a focal point.

Front

What is a concave lens?

Back

A concave lens is thinner in the middle, diverges light, and is used in glasses for nearsightedness.

Front

What is a convex mirror?

Back

A convex mirror is curved outward, diverges light, and produces only virtual images (e.g., security mirrors).

Front

What is a convex lens?

Back

A convex lens is thicker in the middle and converges light to a focal point (e.g., magnifying glass, eye lenses).