Katlin Sapp Reflection of Light Research Paper

There are many differences between specular and diffuse reflection. Specular reflection is when light is reflected at an angle from a smooth surface. No matter at what angle the light hits the smooth surface it will always go in one specific angle. On the other hand diffuse reflection is when light is reflected in all directions from a rough surface. When the light hits a rough surface the light is dispersed in every direction, it doesnt matter what color or at what angle it hits that rough surface its going to go different directions. The law of reflection is the relationship between the angle of reflection and the angle of incidence. The normal is the incident and reflected rays make equal angles with a line perpendicular to the surface. The ray of light approaching the mirror is the incident ray. The ray of light that leaves the mirror is known as the reflected ray. The angle between the incident ray and the normal line is the angle of incidence. The angle between the reflected ray and the normal line is the angle of reflection. The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. The two types of images flat mirrors produce are real and virtual images. Real images are formed by rays that converge at the image point in a mirror. A real image is like a picture. While a virtual image is an image whose light rays do not converge at the image point but appear to emerge from that point. An example of a virtual image would by a person looking at herself in a mirror. Virtual images are usually seen in flat mirrors. To know exactly where an image is formed follow two rays of light as they reflect from the mirror. In conclusion, the reflection of light has many different components. It includes the differences between specular and diffuse reflections, the law of reflection, and the different types of images formed by flat mirrors which are real and virtual images. Bibliography

Katlin Sapp Reflection of Light Research Paper

Davidson, M. W. (n.d.). Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Light and Color Specular and Diffuse Reflection: Interactive Java Tutorial. Molecular Expressions Microscopy Primer: Light and Color - Specular and Diffuse Reflection: Interactive Java Tutorial. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java Gibbs, K. (n.d.). REFLECTION (Plane mirrors). schoolphysics ::Welcome::. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://www.schoolphysics.co.uk/age1619/Optics/Reflection/text/Reflection_/index.html Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection. (n.d.). Specular vs. Diffuse Reflection. Retrieved October 18, 2013, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/refln/ The Law of Reflection. (n.d.). The Law of Reflection. Retrieved October 21, 2013, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia The Law of Reflection. (n.d.). The Law of Reflection. Retrieved October 22, 2013, from http://www.physicsclassroom.com/mmedia