Reflection and Mirrors (Leaving Cert Physics): Flashcards

When light strikes a surface and bounces back

Material of object and surface texture (rough or smooth)

Light scatters in all directions from rough surface

Light reflects in predictable manner from smooth surface

Light ray that strikes the mirror surface

Imaginary line at right angles to mirror at point of incidence

Angle between incident ray and normal

Incident ray, normal, reflected ray lie in same plane

Angle of incidence = angle of reflection ($\angle i = \angle r$)

Image where no light actually travels behind mirror

Same distance behind mirror as object is in front

Image reversed left-to-right in mirror

Drivers see it correctly in rear-view mirrors (lateral inversion)

Uses two plane mirrors to see over/around obstacles

Over 3000°C using parabolic mirrors