Chapter 9 · Physics
Reflection of Light
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The Moon makes no light, yet it shines at night: sunlight bounces off it to our eyes. That bouncing back is reflection.
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Laws of ReflectionTo hit a hidden target with a laser and a mirror you need 2 rules: i = r (both measured from the normal) and all three rays in one plane.Physics · simulation
Key points
- Reflection: light falls on a surface and returns into the same medium.
- Luminous objects make light (Sun, bulb, candle); non-luminous ones (Moon, book, wall) are seen by reflected light.
- No light, no reflection: in a dark room even a white wall vanishes.
Why the Moon shines
Luminous and non-luminous
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Luminous: make their own light | Sun, bulb, candle flame |
| Non-luminous: seen by reflected light | Moon, book, wall, your face |
Quick quiz
4 questions. Choose an answer for each, then submit to see your score and the explanations.
More from Light – Reflection and Refraction
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