Light at a Surface: Important terms: Reflection, refraction, transmission, transparent, translucent, opaque, absorption

Reflection Law of Reflection: Angle of Incidence: Angle of Reflection: Light will always reflects from a surface at the same angle in which it hits the surface. Angle of Incidence: The angle at which light hits a surface. Angle of Reflection: The angle at which light is reflected by a surface.

Specular Reflection: Diffuse Reflection: Reflection from a smooth surface. Ex: Mirror, any smooth shiny surface. Diffuse Reflection: Reflection of light from a rough surface. Ex: Brick wall

Transmission of Light Transmission: Transparent Translucent Opaque When light passes through matter. Transparent Translucent Opaque

Transparent: When light passes easily through a material it is said to be transparent. Ex: water, air, glass

Translucent: When matter transmits some, but not all the light that hits it. Ex: wax paper

Opaque: When mater does not transmit any light Opaque: When mater does not transmit any light. You cannot see through it. Ex: your desk, your textbook

Refraction: When light passes from one medium to another (from air to water for example), it is called refraction.