Question

topic 2: reflection

1. give a definition for reflection.
2. name and define the two types of rays involved in reflection.

Explanation:

1.

Reflection in physics (specifically optics) is the phenomenon where a wave (like light, sound) strikes a surface and bounces back. For light, when it hits a reflective surface (e.g., mirror, water), it changes direction, following the law of reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection). In geometry, reflection is a transformation that flips a figure over a line (axis of reflection), creating a mirror - image, where each point of the figure has a corresponding point on the other side of the axis, at the same distance from it.

• Incident Ray: The ray of light (or other wave) that strikes the reflecting surface. It travels towards the surface and initiates the reflection process.
• Reflected Ray: The ray of light (or other wave) that bounces off the reflecting surface after the incident ray hits it. Its direction is determined by the law of reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection, with respect to the normal at the point of incidence).

Answer:

In physics (optics): The bouncing back of a wave (e.g., light, sound) when it strikes a surface. In geometry: A transformation that flips a figure over a line (axis of reflection) to form a mirror - image, with each point and its image equidistant from the axis.

2.