Reflection Physics Chapter 18a

Law of Reflection Angle of incidence equals angle of reflection

Reflection Change in direction of wave at interface between two media Reflecting surface smoothness controls type of reflection Specular: smooth surface, forms good image Diffuse: rough surface, does not form good image

Reflections

Example The angle of incidence of a light ray is 42o. What are: The angle of reflection The angle the incident ray makes with the mirror The angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray

Plane Mirror Flat mirror Forms a virtual image at the same distance that the object is Virtual image is upright Mirror equation: 1/p + 1/q = 1/f p=object distance q=image distance f=focal length

Plane Mirror

Concave Mirror Concave mirror is curved away from observer Mirror reference points: Optical axis Normal at center of mirror Also called principal axis Focal point Point on optical axis where every reflected ray passes through Focal length: distance from mirror to focal point (along optical axis)

Concave Mirrors Reflections: Rays parallel to principal axis reflect through focal point Rays through focal point reflect parallel to principal axis Rays through center (along principal axis) reflect back along same path

How do we find where an image is? Draw carefully!!

How do we find where an image is? Draw carefully!!

How do we find where an image is? Draw carefully!!