Wave behaviour - OCR 21st CenturyReflection of waves

Waves are one way in which energy may be transferred between stores. Both mechanical and electromagnetic waves will transfer energy but not matter.

Part ofPhysics (Single Science)Radiation and waves

Reflection of waves

- including sound and light - can be reflected at the boundary between two different materials. The reflection of sound causes echoes.

The law of reflection states that:

angle of incidence = angle of reflection

For example, if a light ray hits a surface at 32°, it will be reflected at 32°.

The and are measured between the light ray and the - an imaginary line at 90° to the surface. The diagrams show a light ray being reflected at a mirror.

A ray diagram showing light rays coming from an object, reflecting at the surface normal of a plane mirror. the angles of incidence and the angles of reflection are also highlighted.