Reflection of Light

 

The process of bouncing back of light in the same medium on striking the surface of any object is known as reflection of light.

Reflection of light is of two types:

REGULAR REFLECTION

 

When the reflecting surface is smooth and well polished, e.g. mirror, the parallel rays falling on it are reflected parallel to one another i.e. the reflected light goes in one particular direction as shown in the figure below. Then it is known as a regular reflection.

Regular Reflection

 

IRREGULAR REFLECTION .

 

When the reflecting surface is rough, the parallel rays falling on it are reflected in different directions as shown in the figure below. Such a reflection is known as irregular, reflection or diffused reflection or scattering of light.

 

Irregular Reflection