Light and Its Uses

Reflection of Light specular (regular) reflection diffuse reflection all light rays that hit a smooth surface are reflected at the same angle diffuse reflection reflected light is scattered in many directions due to a rough surface

Mirrors Plane (flat) mirrors flat surface left and right are reversed give a virtual image the image you see is where you think the light came from, not where it actually came from

concave mirrors mirror curves inward help to concentrate light on a spot called the focal point

convex mirrors mirror surface curves outward the focal point is behind the mirror used in automobile rear-view mirrors objects appear farther than they really are

concave mirror convex mirror

Color the color of an object is determined what color(s) of light are reflected example: a red object looks red because red light is reflected

Refraction of Light white light is made up of all the visible colors (ROYGBIV) each color (wavelength) of light is refracted (bent) a different amount prisms can separate white light into its colors (called dispersion) red, with the longest wavelength, bends the least violet, with the shortest wavelength, bends the most

may make objects appear to be in different positions

A Rainbow

Lenses transparent material that bends light to create an image converging lens magnifying glass diverging lens viewfinders in cameras

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