Question

With the help of a neat diagram, explain the reflection of light on a plane reflecting surface.

Hint:

Laws of reflection apply to plane surfaces; angle equality ensures image formation in mirrors.

Answer 1

Reflection of light on a plane reflecting surface follows the laws of reflection:
1. The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence all lie in the same plane.
2. The angle of incidence (\( i \)) is equal to the angle of reflection (\( r \)).
When a ray of light strikes a plane mirror, it bounces back with \( i = r \), maintaining the direction in the same plane.
Diagram:
\includegraphics[width=0.5\linewidth]{Reflection of light.png} The diagram shows the incident ray, normal, and reflected ray with \( i = r \).
Answer: Reflection follows two laws; incident and reflected rays are symmetric about the normal.