The Reflection of Light and Mirror Images
Introduction:
Always before stepping out of our home, we look at ourselves in a mirror and dress up. This is because we can see our reflection in the mirror. This is due to the phenomenon of reflection of light, which we will be looking at in this session.
Explanation:
Reflection of Light:
The phenomenon of light bouncing off the surfaces of objects is called the reflection of light. When light (bouncing off) from an object reflects off the surface of a mirror, an image of it is seen in the mirror.
Fig 1: Image formed in the mirror
Light reflects off all surfaces. However, an image is formed only when it reflects off a smooth surface. For example, the image of the chandelier is formed on the surface of a polished table surface.
Fig 2: Image formed on a well-polished table surface
The light that falls on an object/mirror is called incident light. The light that reflects off the surface of the object/mirror is called the reflected light.
Fig 3: Reflection of light
Mirror Images:
The images formed in a mirror are a little different compared to the actual object. They are flipped either left side, right, or upside down, depending upon the position of the mirror.
Fig 5: Non-Luminous objects
Questions and Answers:
- Fill in the blank boxes with suitable words using the hints given below against the corresponding numbers.
Answer:
- Reflected light
- Mirror
- Incident light
- Reflection
Summary
- The phenomenon of light bouncing off the surfaces of objects is called the reflection of light.
- When light from an object bounces off smooth surfaces, its image is formed on the surface.
- When light from an object bounces off rough surfaces, its image is not formed.
- The light that falls on an object is called the incident light and the light that bounces off the object is called the reflected light.
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