Reflection of light from plain surface

When the ray of light hit a surface, it is reflected, refracted or absorbed. The rays which strike the surface are the incidents rays. the rays that are reflected are the reflected rays. the rays which pass through the medium is called the refracted rays.

The incident ray is the path along which the light travels in Air or first medium

The reflected ray is the path along which the light travels after hitting the surface of the second medium (glass) from the first medium (Air).

The refracted rays is the path through which the light travels in the second medium after the first medium (Air).

Type of Reflection

1. Regular or specular reflection.

This occur when the reflected rays are parallel and in one direction. This occur when light strike a polished or smooth surface such as plane mirror.

1. Scattered or Diffused Reflection

Scattered or diffused reflection takes place when light strikes a rough surface such as paper wall , table etc.

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