.2.

11 Describe the image formed by a plane mirror

3.2.12 Describe applications of the concept of reflection by plane surfaces in real life situations.

3.2.13 Explain the concept of refraction of light

3.2.14 Perform simple calculations using equations: n1sini = n2sinr and n1c1 = n2c2

10.0 REFLECTION OF LIGHT

10.1 Definition

Light travels in a straight line but when it encounters a medium (obstacle) it can be reflected,
refracted or absorbed.

When light rays strike shiny surface they will bounce back. This is known as Reflection of light. The
ray that moves towards the surface is the incident ray while the one that bounces back is called the
reflected ray.

Laws of reflection

 The incident ray, normal and reflected ray all lie on the same plane (so they can be
shown on the same flat sheet of paper)
 The angle of incidence i is equal to the angle of reflection r (i = r)
 A ray along the normal (where i = 0) will be reflected along its own path, i.e. back
along the normal.

10.2 FORMATION OF IMAGES BY PLANE MIRRORS

One application of reflection is in locating the images formed by/on mirrors.

1. When an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, Light rays from an object strike the mirror.

2. These rays are reflected off the mirror surface, and are extended backwards to locate the image
position.

3. The image will be formed where the imaginary rays meet.

The image formed is:

 Virtual (cannot be formed on the screen)

Applications of the concept of reflection by plane surfaces in real life situations:

1. Plane Mirrors in Daily Use

Bathroom/Wall Mirrors: Help us see our reflection for grooming and dressing.

Makeup mirrors: Provide clear images for facial application tasks.

🚘 2. Rear-View and Side-View Mirrors in Vehicles

Plane mirrors (or slightly convex versions) are used so drivers can see behind and beside them to
navigate safely.

🏥 3. Periscopes

Used in submarines and military observation. Made using two plane mirrors placed at 45° angles to
allow users to see over obstacles or from concealed positions.

A SIMPLE PERISCOPE

A periscope is an optical instrument that allows a person to see over, around, or through an
obstacle without being directly in the line of sight.
Periscope can be used to see over the top of an obstacle which otherwise blocks the direct view.
Periscope is used in submarines to see above the water surface while staying hidden.

4. Optical Instruments

Plane mirrors are part of instruments like:

Microscopes

Telescopes

Projectors

They direct or reflect light within the device for proper imaging.

11.0 REFRACTION OF LIGHT

11.1 DEFINITION

The bending of light as it passes from one transparent medium to another (of different optical
density). When a light ray moves from one medium/material to the other one (of different optical
density), its speed changes (as well as the wavelength) and this cause a change in its direction of
travel.

O – point of incidence

NN’ – normal (line)

AO – incident ray
 OB – refracted ray

i – angle of incidence

r – angle of refraction

SOME FACTS ABOUT REFRACTION

A ray moving from a less (optically) dense medium to a more (optically) medium ( e.g. air to
glass) will bend towards the normal.

A ray moving from a more dense medium to a less dense medium will bend away from the
normal.

The ray along the normal is not refracted (i = r=0)

Experiments: To show refraction of light

Experiment #1: RAY METHOD

Place a glass block above a plain sheet of paper and trace its outline.
Direct a thin ray of light from the ray box towards the glass block.
Trace the incident and emergent rays onto the plain paper.
 Remove the glass block and trace the refracted ray by joining the incident ray to the
emergent ray where they enter and leave the glass block.

OBSERVATIONS:

Light refraction through:

a) a rectangular glass block

b) semi-circular glass block

c) glass prism

REFRACTIVE INDEX (n)

It indicates the extent to which the second medium will bend the light.
Refractive index can be defined as the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum (or air) to the speed of
light in a medium.

n = speed of light in a vacuum/speed of light in a medium

Refractive index can also be expressed by the ratio of sine of angle of incidence to the sine of angle
of refraction as follows:

n = sini/sinr