Reflection and Refraction

Do you know the difference between reflection and refraction? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone! These two terms are often confused with one another, but they mean two very different things. In this article, we will discuss the difference between reflection and refraction, as well as provide some examples of each. We’ll also take a look at how each of these phenomena occurs. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started!

What Is Reflection? 

When light waves hit a surface, some of the waves may bounce off the surface. This is called reflection. The angle at which the waves reflect off the surface is the same as the angle at which the waves hit the surface. The amount of reflected light depends on how smooth or shiny the surface is.

What Is Refraction? 

When light waves hit a surface at an angle and then travel through the surface, they bend. This is called refraction. The amount of bending depends on how fast the waves are moving and how dense the surface is.

Difference Between Reflection and Refraction

The main difference between reflection and refraction is that reflection involves bouncing off the surface while refraction involves bending as it passes through the surface. Other points of difference are as follows:

• Description: When light waves hit a surface, some of the waves may bounce off the surface. This is called reflection. The angle at which the waves reflect off the surface is the same as the angle at which the waves hit the surface. The amount of reflected light depends on how smooth or shiny the surface is.

On the other hand, when light waves hit a surface at an angle and then travel through the surface, they bend. This is called refraction. The amount of bending depends on how fast the waves are moving and how dense the surface is.

• Nature Of Surface: In reflection, the nature of the surface plays an important role. A smooth surface such as a mirror reflects most of the light that falls on it. On the other hand, a rough surface reflects only a small amount of light.

In refraction, the nature of the surface does not play a role. The amount of bending is the same, regardless of the surface.

• Type Of Surface: In reflection, the type of surface also matters. A diffuse surface (such as the sky) reflects light in all directions. A specular surface (such as a mirror) reflects light in one direction.

In refraction, the type of surface does not matter. The amount of bending is the same, regardless of the surface.

Examples of Reflection

One classic example of reflection is a mirror. When light waves hit the mirror, they reflect off the surface in the same direction in which they hit it. This is why you can see yourself in a mirror. Another example of reflection is when light shines on the surface of a pond. The light waves reflect off the surface of the water and you can see the bottom of the pond.

Examples of Refraction

One classic example of refraction is a glass of water. When light waves hit the surface of the water, they bend and you can see through the water. Another example of refraction is when the light waves pass through the atmosphere. The light bends as it passes through the different layers of the atmosphere and you can see the sun or stars in the sky.

How do Reflection and Refraction Occur?

Reflection occurs when light waves bounce off a surface. The angle at which the waves reflect off the surface is the same as the angle at which they hit the surface. The amount of reflected light depends on how smooth or shiny the surface is.

Refraction occurs when light waves bend as they pass through a surface. The amount of bending depends on how fast the waves are moving and how dense the surface is.

Conclusion

Reflection is when light waves bounce off a surface and are reflected in the same direction. This can be seen when looking at a mirror- the person’s image will be reflected. Refraction is when light waves pass through a medium and change speed. This can be seen when looking at water- the object appears to be in two different places because of how the light bends as it moves from one medium (air) to another (water). The difference between reflection and refraction is that reflection always happens on a flat surface, while refraction can happen on any surface. Refraction is responsible for things like rainbows and mirages.