When a wave hits a material, what 3 things can happen?

The wave can be reflected, transmitted, or absorbed.


(you could also say 'refracted', but that is actually a type of transmission or absorption)

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What is the law of reflection?

angle of incidence = angle of reflection

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What are the two types of reflection?

  1. Specular reflection.


  1. Diffuse reflection.

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What is specular reflection?

Specular reflection occurs on surfaces where the boundary is flat.


It creates a clear image, like in a mirror.

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What is diffuse reflection?

Diffuse reflection occurs on materials where the surface is bumpy (uneven).


It creates an unclear image, or no image at all, like a piece of paper.

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On the ray diagram above, what does A represent?

Incident ray / Incoming ray.

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On the ray diagram above, what does B represent?

The normal.

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On the ray diagram above, what does C represent?

Reflected ray.

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On the ray diagram above, what does D represent?

Angle of incidence.

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On the ray diagram above, what does E represent?

Angle of reflection.

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On the ray diagram above, what does F represent?

Point of incidence.

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