Physical Science Reflection of Light

Quarter 2 – Module 3: What happens when light strikes a surface? Some of the light is reflected as
Reflection of Light evidenced by the laser activity while others are transmitted or absorbed. This
behavior of light to bounce as it strikes a surface is called reflection, as a result,
Lesson 1 it enables us to see images being reflected from a surface. As the light
Light: Reflection approaches a reflecting surface, it obeys the Law of Reflection. It tells us that
the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.
Light travels in a straight line. These straight-line paths are called rays.
Light also travels through the shortest path possible. When we approximate the
treatment of light in which light waves are represented as straight-line rays, we
call it Geometric Optics. You have learned in Grade 10 that light can be
considered as an electromagnetic wave; however, we will not deal with this
aspect. In this module, we will use the ray model of light to describe the many
aspects of light such as reflection and refraction.

Activity 1: Where is my reflection?

You will need a flat mirror, a laser, and a partner for this activity. Put your
mirror carefully on the line labelled “mirror”. Ask your partner to shine the laser
light in each of the dotted lines as represented with numbers 1 to 4. Observe
For you to fully understand the law of reflection, analyze Figure 2. It
and draw a straight line using a ruler to show the location of the laser light after
illustrates the incident ray as a light ray approaching the surface or mirror that
it hits the mirror. Label the lines you draw with letters A to D.
creates an angle of incidence (i) with the Normal line (N) which is an imaginary
line drawn perpendicularly from the point of incidence on the surface or mirror.
On the other side of the Normal (N) line is the reflected ray that leaves the
surface or mirror. The distance between the reflected ray and the Normal line is
called the angle of reflection (r). Therefore, the normal (N) divides the incident
ray and reflected ray into two equal angles. The incident rays, reflected rays,
and the normal line all lie on the same plane.
Here is the mathematical representation of the Law of Reflection:
𝜃𝑟 = 𝜃𝑖
Remember: The Law of reflection is always observed regardless of the
orientation of the surface.
Label the diagram with the following words: incident ray and reflected ray
How will you describe light rays 1 to 4 in relation to the mirror? ____________
_______________________________________________________________
How will you describe the light rays that you labelled as A to D? ___________
_______________________________________________________________
What do you call the ray going into the mirror? __________________________
What do you call the ray coming out of the mirror? _______________________ Figure 3. Light-reflecting on surfaces with different orientation
What behaviour of light was exhibited in the activity above? ________________ The figure above shows different reflecting surfaces with varying orientations.
You will notice that the incident ray will always have the same angle as the
reflected ray relative to the imaginary normal line.
 How to draw a light ray reflection diagram? produced by headlights of incoming vehicles. This is because the rough surface
Here are the steps to help you remember how to draw a light ray reflection was filled with rainwater making the surface smooth, instead of a diffuse
diagram. reflection, a more concentrated beam of light produces specular reflection. In
the same manner, photography also takes advantage of specular and diffuse
reflection in taking images of a subject. A picture of a beautiful mountain being
reflected in the calm and still water is a classic example.

Activity 1.1 Mirror Maze

Let’s see if you have mastered the concept. Can you work out the
reflections to show the path taken by the laser for it to be detected?
Note:
Not all mirrors are used
Write on the angle of incidence and reflection per mirror used.
Draw arrows to show the direction of the laser.
Diffuse vs. Specular Reflection
Mirrors are typical examples of a reflecting surface. Mirrors have a very
smooth surface that give individual rays of light in the same surface orientation.
Thus, when you look into a mirror, you can see a clear image of yourself.
However, mirrors are not the only type of material that demonstrates a reflection
of light. Most of the objects around us do! As you read this module, light is
reflected from the pages, allowing you to read the written information.

Analyze figure 5, distinguish the difference between diffuse and specular

reflection.

Activity 1.2 Locating the Image in a Plane Mirror

Here, you have a plane mirror and a point image. Draw the ray diagram to show
how our eyes see point objects.

Figure 5. Diffuse and Specular Reflection

Smooth surface bounces light in one direction creating a clear and vivid
reflection of the image which is called specular reflection. On the other hand, a
rough surface reflects light in various directions due to the uneven orientation of
the surface, which will result in a hazy or unclear image of the object. These two
types of reflection have many practical applications, let us cite some common
examples. Night driving on a wet asphalt road becomes difficult due to glare
Activity 1.3 Mirror, Mirror on the wall… 11. The image is formed because of reflection.
Two plane mirrors are positioned perpendicular to each other as shown below.
A ray of light is incident to mirror 1 with an angle of incidence of 56˚. This ray What I Can Do
was then reflected and stroke mirror 2. Now that you have learned the concept of reflection, it’s your turn to apply
what you have learned. Answer the following questions using your
understanding of the reflection of light.
1. How will you use the Law of reflection to show how image forms on a plane
mirror? _________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

2. Why do you think you see a full image of yourself when you look at the
What is the angle of reflection in mirror 1? _______________ mirror but you cannot see a reflection of yourself when you look at a book?
What is the angle of incidence in mirror 2? _______________ _______________________________________________________________
On the diagram use a ruler to draw the reflected ray in mirror 2. _______________________________________________________________
What is the angle of reflection in mirror 2? _____________________ _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
What I Have Learned
1. The assumption that light travels in a straight line is the basis of the Ray 3. Do you think the law of reflection supports the wave theory or the particle
model of light. theory of light? Explain your answer. __________________________________
2. The straight-line path traversed by light is called a ray. _______________________________________________________________
3. A light ray approaching the surface is incident ray while the light leaving the _______________________________________________________________
surface is called reflected ray. _______________________________________________________________
4. The normal line is the imaginary line drawn from the point of incidence
perpendicular to the surface that bisects the diagram into two equal parts. Assessment
5. The angle an incident ray makes with the normal is called the angle of Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write your answer on a
incidence. separate sheet of paper.
6. The angle the reflected ray makes with the normal is called the angle of 1. What do you call the phenomenon by which the incident light falling on the
reflection surface is sent back into the same medium?
7. The Law of Reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle A. Absorption
of the reflected rayThe mathematical representation of the law of reflection is B. Reflection
𝜃𝑟 = 𝜃𝑖 C. Polarization
8. Diffuse reflection is when light is incident upon a rough surface and is D. Refraction
reflected in many directions creating a hazy and not so clear image of the 2. What angle is formed by an incoming ray with the normal?
object. A. Angle of reflection
9. Specular reflection occurs when light is incident upon a smooth surface and B. Angle of refraction
angle is reflected on the same angle creating a clear and precise image of C. Angle of incidence
the object. D. Angle of equivalence
10. Mirrors are good example of reflecting devices.
3. Which statement best describes the “Law of reflection”? 10. The angle between a horizontal ruler and a vertical plane mirror is 30◦
A. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection What is the angle between the ruler and its image?
B. The angle of reflection is perpendicular to the normal. A. 90˚
C. The angle of reflection is parallel to the angle of incidence B. 60˚
D. Both the angle of incidence and reflection lie in different planes. C. 30˚
4. What type of reflection is produced by rough surfaces? D. 15˚
A. Total internal reflection
B. Dispersion Additional Activities
C. Diffuse reflection Draw my rays
D. Specular reflection
5. Which of the following best describes a Normal line? You will need your drawing materials to complete this task.
A. The path is taken by the rays of light as it approaches the surface
B. Line parallel to the incident and reflected ray Column A gives you the important concepts of reflection of light. In Column B,
C. An imaginary line is drawn perpendicular to the reflecting surface draw how the concept can be represented.
D. The total distance traveled by light upon reflecting
6. Which of the following pairs perfectly describes the reflection produced by a Concept Drawing/Illustration
smooth surface?
A. Diffuse reflection: clear and vivid Specular Reflection:
B. Diffuse reflection: unclear and vague
C. Specular reflection: unclear and vague Occurs when light rays reflect on a
D. Specular reflection: clear and vivid smooth surface at the same angle
7. An incoming ray of light strikes the mirror at an angle of 30˚ relative to the
normal. What is the angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray?
A. 15 ˚ Diffuse reflection:
B. 30 ˚
C. 60 ˚ Occurs when light rays reflect on a
D. 90 ˚ rough surface at many different
8. A ray of light strikes a polished surface at an angle of 37˚. What is the angle angles
of reflection and location of the reflected ray?
A. 37.0˚ on the same side with the incident ray
B. 37.0˚ on the other side of the normal line Angle of incidence:
C. 53.0˚ on the same side with the incident ray The angle between the incoming rays
and the normal
D. 53.0˚ on the other side of the normal line
9. Two flat mirrors are perpendicular to each other as shown in the figure. An
incoming beam of light makes an angle of 15˚ with the first mirror. What
angle will the outgoing beam make with the second mirror?
A. 15 ˚ Angle of reflection:
B. 30 ˚ The angle between the reflected rays
C. 75 ˚ and the normal.
D. 90 ˚