Reflection - AP Physics 2

1. State the formula for the reflection of light off a plane surface.

   $\theta_i = \theta_r$. Mathematical expression of the law of reflection.

2. What is diffuse reflection?

   Reflection from a rough surface, scattering light. Allows us to see objects from multiple angles.

3. How does a concave mirror affect light rays?

   Converges light rays to a focal point. Concave shape focuses light inward.

4. Which ray diagram rule is used for reflection in mirrors?

   Incident and reflected rays are symmetric about the normal. Geometric principle for constructing ray diagrams.

5. How does a plane mirror affect the size of an image?

   The image size is the same as the object size. Plane mirrors produce images with magnification of 1.

6. What is the vertex in mirror terminology?

   The point where the principal axis meets the mirror. The geometric center point of the mirror surface.

7. What is the principal axis of a mirror?

   A line perpendicular to the mirror's surface passing through its center. Central reference line for mirror geometry and calculations.

8. What is the radius of curvature in mirror terminology?

   The radius of the sphere of which the mirror is a part. Determines the mirror's curvature and focal length.

9. What is the effect of reflection on the wavelength of light?

   Wavelength remains unchanged. Wavelength depends only on the medium, which doesn't change.

10. What is the reflected ray?

    The ray that bounces off the reflecting surface. The outgoing light ray after reflection occurs.

11. Identify the image characteristics in a plane mirror.

    Virtual, upright, and same size as object. Standard characteristics of plane mirror images.

12. What type of surface causes diffuse reflection?

    A rough surface. Microscopic irregularities scatter light in many directions.

13. What is the angle of incidence?

    The angle between the incident ray and the normal. Measured from the normal, not the surface itself.

14. State a use of convex mirrors.

    Used as security mirrors to provide a wide field of view. Convex mirrors provide wide-angle views for safety.

15. What is the focal length in terms of radius of curvature?

    $f = \frac{R}{2}$, where $R$ is the radius of curvature. Focal length is half the radius of curvature.

16. Does reflection change the frequency of light?

    No, frequency remains unchanged. Frequency is an intrinsic property of light that remains constant.

17. Identify the normal in reflection.

    A line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence. Essential reference line for measuring reflection angles.

18. What happens to light when it reflects off a rough surface?

    It scatters in different directions. This describes diffuse reflection from rough surfaces.

19. What is the mirror equation?

    $\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$. Relates focal length to object and image distances.

20. What type of surface causes specular reflection?

    A smooth surface. Surface roughness determines reflection type.

21. How does a convex mirror affect light rays?

    Diverges light rays. Convex shape spreads light outward.

22. What is specular reflection?

    Reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction. Creates clear reflections like mirrors.

23. What happens to light when it reflects off a smooth surface?

    It reflects at the same angle as it hit the surface. This describes specular reflection from smooth surfaces.

24. Determine the image orientation in a convex mirror.

    The image is virtual and upright. Convex mirrors always produce diminished, virtual, upright images.

25. What is the effect of reflection on the speed of light?

    Speed of light remains unchanged. Light stays in the same medium during reflection.

26. What is the law of reflection?

    Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection. This fundamental law states that light reflects symmetrically about the normal.

27. What is the sign of the focal length for concave mirrors?

    Positive. Concave mirrors have positive focal lengths by convention.

28. What is the principal focus in a concave mirror?

    The point where parallel rays converge after reflection. Where parallel rays meet after reflecting from a concave mirror.

29. What type of image is formed by a plane mirror?

    A virtual image. Cannot be projected on a screen, appears behind the mirror.

30. What is the sign of the focal length for convex mirrors?

    Negative. Convex mirrors have negative focal lengths by convention.

31. Which type of reflection is used in mirrors?

    Specular reflection. Mirrors need predictable, uniform reflection patterns.

32. State a use of concave mirrors.

    Used in headlights to focus light. Concave mirrors can focus parallel light rays to a point.

33. What is the angle of reflection?

    The angle between the reflected ray and the normal. Also measured from the normal to the surface.

34. State the magnification formula for mirrors.

    Magnification $m = -\frac{d_i}{d_o}$. Negative sign indicates image inversion relative to object.

35. What is a real-life example of diffuse reflection?

    Light reflecting off a paper. Paper's rough surface scatters light in all directions.

36. What is the incident ray in reflection?

    The ray that approaches and strikes a surface. The incoming light ray before reflection occurs.

37. Which mirror type is used in solar furnaces?

    Concave mirrors are used to focus sunlight. Concave mirrors concentrate solar energy for heating applications.

38. Identify the mirror type that always produces a virtual image.

    A convex mirror. Convex mirrors cannot form real images due to their diverging nature.

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