Interactions of Light Waves Section 3

Reflection Occurs when light or any other wave bounces off an object Law of Reflection: the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. Incidence: is the falling of a beam of light on a surface.

Reflection

Types of Reflection Regular Reflection Occurs when the reflecting surface is very smooth, like a mirror or polished metal. Light beams reflect off all points of the surface at the same angle. Diffuse Reflection Occurs when the reflecting surface is slightly rough, like a wall, light beams hit the surface and reflect at many angles.

Types of Reflection

Absorption and Scattering Absorption: the transfer of energy carried by light waves to particles of matter. Scattering: an interaction of light with matter that causes the light to change direction, energy or both.

Refraction Is the bending of a wave as it passes at an angle from one medium to another. Refraction of light occurs because the speed of light changes depending on the material through which the waves are traveling.

Optical Illusions Light usually travels in a straight line When you look at objects underwater the light reflected does not travel in a straight line, it refracts creating an optical illusion.

Color Separation White light can be separated into different colors during refraction. Color refraction is responsible for rainbows, they are created when sunlight is refracted by water droplets

Diffraction The diffraction of light waves is not always easy to see. The amount a wave diffracts depends on its wavelength and the size of the barrier or the opening. The opening is usually a narrow slit or narrow opening. The greatest amount of diffraction occurs when the barrier or opening is the same size or smaller than the wavelength.