The number of images varies as per the angle between two mirrors. If we decrease the angle, the number of images increases. The number of images becomes infinite when the angle between the two mirrors is zero i.e, they are parallel. Here is a formula to calculate the number of images for diffused reflection of light:

Many parallel rays hit a convex mirror, they reflect outwards and travel directly away from an imaginary focal point (F).

Incident Ray= It is the ray that falls on the surface Reflected Ray= The ray which is reflected from the surface Normal = Perpendicular on the polished surface P= Point of reflection i= Angle of Incidence r= Angle of Reflection

The phenomenon of bouncing back of light falling on an object in the same medium is known as a reflection of light. For example: We are not able to see anything on entering a dark room but once we switch on the lights, everything will be visible. Reflection of light is a popular topic in Physics, listed in the Optics chapter. Let’s explore more about this topic through this detailed blog. Ref

It is because light hits different particles in the atmosphere and it scatters in all directions. Since blue has a smaller wavelength than Red, it is scattered more than red. That is why the sky looks blue.

The Blue Sky is because light hits different particles in the atmosphere and it scatters in all directions. Since blue has a smaller wavelength than Red, it is scattered more than red. That is why the sky looks blue.

After understanding the meaning of reflection, you must also understand its two imperative laws. Using these laws, the reflection of the incident ray on various surfaces like a plane mirror, water, metal surfaces, etc can be determined. For instance, if we consider a plane mirror, here are the laws of reflection:

While exploring the basics of the reflection of light, it is also important to go through the different types of reflection. Whenever we change the basic elements or the form of basic elements involved in this phenomenon, the result also varies. Following are the main three types of reflection:

Thus, we hope that this blog has helped you understand the meaning, types and laws of reflection of light. Preparing for competitive exams like GRE, GMAT, IELTS or SAT? Sign up for an online demo session with our Leverage Edu career and we will assist in creating the right preparation strategy as well as providing you with the required study material and exam tips to ace your test successfully

Regular Reflection can also be referred to as Specular Reflection and is simply understood by using a plane mirror. This mirror used for reflection of light is not the regular mirror we see around us, rather it is a glass which is heavily coated with a uniform layer of highly reflective material such as a powder. As it is coated, the surface reflects all the light which falls on it i.e., there is not much variation in both the angles of reflection at multiple points. Due to this minimal variation, we can say that all the haziness and the blurriness are completely gone.

To begin with, the reflection of light occurs whenever a ray of light falls on a smooth polished surface and bounces back. In other words, the ray of light approaching any surface results in the reflection of the light. Further, the ray of light which falls on the surface is known as an Incident ray while the ray of light which gets reflected is called a Reflected ray. Also, if a perpendicular is to be drawn between the two rays on the reflecting surface, it is known as a Normal.

A spherical mirror whose reflecting surface is curved outwards is called a convex mirror. A convex mirror can be compared to the outside of a balloon. A convex mirror is used as a rear-view mirror and for security purposes.

For both regular and diffused reflection of light, a single mirror is used while when we take two mirrors, a single source of light can be reflected multiple times. This type of reflection is only possible when the intensity of the light becomes so low that we cannot see it. Infinite images will be formed in multiple reflections, as each image is the result of another image.

A spherical mirror, whose reflecting surface is curved inwards, that is, faces towards the centre of the sphere, is called a concave mirror. A concave mirror can be compared to the inside of the spoon. Concave mirrors are the reflecting objects that are used in reflecting telescopes.

Your contact details will not be published. Required fields are marked *Name.* Email Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Contact no.* Submit

The reflection of light occurs whenever a ray of light falls on a smooth polished surface and bounces back. In other words, the ray of light approaching any surface results in the reflection of the light. The refraction of light occurs when a ray of light moves from one medium to another and it changes its direction of travel.

When light hits very small gas particles, water droplets or even dust particles, it scatters the light. The amount of scattering of the light depends on the wavelength of light and the size of the particle. Light on the sky is filled with all the colours of the rainbow i.e. VIBGYOR. So, the question is ‘Why is the Sky Blue?’

To explore the meaning of diffused reflection, let us consider reflective surfaces other than mirrors. The common surfaces which can be used for diffusion of light are comparatively rough as they are made up of different material than glass and contain some marks, scratches, dust or dents. All these things hamper the quality and brightness of reflection. Thus, the comparison of both the angles of reflection on such rough surfaces is completely distorted. In diffused reflection, the incident ray falls on different points and gets reflected in an entirely different direction and hence, we see non-shiny objects.