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By Ankit Gupta
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Updated on 9 Jun 2025, 12:55 IST
Imagine standing in front of a mirror and seeing your face reflected back at you. This fascinating phenomenon is called the reflection of light. From shiny surfaces and mirrors to how we see objects, reflection plays a crucial role in daily life. This article explores what reflection is, its laws, types, real-life applications, and how it compares to related concepts.
To define reflection of light, we can say:
Reflection of light definition: It is the bouncing back of light rays when they hit a smooth and shiny surface, like a mirror.
If you ask what is meant by reflection of light, it simply means that when light hits a surface, instead of passing through, it returns or reflects back.
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Now let us state the laws of reflection of light. These are two important rules:
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These are also called the two laws of reflection of light, or sometimes people say the 3 laws of reflection of light, counting the concept of reflection itself as the first.
What are the laws of reflection of light? They are the rules that light follows when it reflects from a surface.
| Law Number | Law |
| 1 | Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection |
| 2 | Incident ray, reflected ray, and normal are in the same plane |
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| Feature | Reflection | Refraction |
| Meaning | Bouncing back of light | Bending of light as it passes through a different medium |
| Surface | Happens on shiny surfaces | Happens at boundaries of different materials (like air and water) |
| Image | Can be seen clearly (mirror) | Image may be distorted or shifted (like in water) |
So, what is the difference between reflection and refraction of light? Reflection bounces back, while refraction bends light.
Do Check: Zener Diode
| Concept | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Reflection | Bouncing of light off a surface | Mirror image of a person |
| Refraction | Bending of light when passing through different media | Light bending in water |
| Absorption | Light energy absorbed by a surface | Black cloth heating up |
| Scattering | Light dispersing in various directions | Blue sky effect |
Reflection of light is a fundamental concept in optics. It plays a key role in how we see and interact with the world, from mirrors and instruments to lighting and architecture. Understanding its principles allows us to use it effectively in practical and technological applications.
Mirrors are smooth and polished, causing uniform reflection. Walls are rough, scattering light.
No, it only changes the direction of the light.
Periscopes use two angled mirrors to reflect light, allowing visibility over obstacles.
Yes, reflective coatings help direct sunlight onto photovoltaic cells.
Reflection is bouncing off a surface; refraction is bending through different media.