Light Reflection in Plane Mirrors
When light rays get strokes over the flat mirror and get reflected. According to the laws of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection (∠ i =∠ r). Reflection of light is a process where a ray of light, emitted from a light source and incident upon a plane mirror, reflects into the same medium at the same angle is known as reflection of light. The image which is present in the mirror is obtained behind the plane. The image is virtual and erect, a reflection on a plane mirror.
There are two main Laws of Reflection:
- The angle of incidence (∠i) is equal to the angle of reflection(∠r). Mathematically, (∠i = ∠r).
- All three rays i.e. the incident ray reflected ray, and the normal at the point of incidence, all lie in the same plane.
Terms Related with the Reflection of Light
The terms associated with the process of reflection of light is discussed below:
- Incident Ray: The ray of light that falls on the reflecting surface from the object or a source is known as an incident ray.
- Reflected Ray: The ray of light that is supposed to be reflected after striking the reflecting surface is known as the reflected ray.
- Angle of Incidence: The angle that is formed between the incident ray and the normal at the point of incidence is known as the angle of incidence, generally represented by ∠i.
- Angle of Reflection: The angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidence is known as the angle of reflection, generally represented by ∠r.
- Normal: A straight line perpendicular to the reflecting surface that acts as a separation between the plane of incidence and the plane of reflection is known as the normal.
Plane Mirror
A plane mirror is a type of mirror that has a flat, reflective surface. It reflects light rays in a predictable manner. Plane mirror is generally used as dressing mirror. It forms a virtual and erect image. The size of the image is formed is same as that of object. In this article, we will learn in detail about the plane mirror, image formation by plane mirrors and its characteristics. We will also learn about the applications of plane mirror and compare it with spherical mirror, parabolic mirror and elliptical mirror.
Table of Content
- What is Plane Mirror?
- Light Reflection in Plane Mirrors
- Images Formation by Plane Mirrors
- Ray Diagram for Plane Mirror
- Mirror Equation for Plane Mirror
- Uses of Plane Mirrors