. How does the phenomenon of refraction differ from that of reflection, and what are the key factors that influence the behavior of light in each process?
The phenomenon of refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another, whereas the phenomenon of reflection is the bouncing back of light when it encounters a surface.
The key factors that influence the behavior of light in refraction are:
1. Change in the medium: Refraction occurs when light passes from one medium with a certain refractive index to another medium with a different refractive index. The change in the speed of light and the refractive index of the mediums determine the degree of bending.
2. Angle of incidence: The angle at which light strikes the interface between two mediums affects the amount of bending that occurs during refraction. The angle of incidence is measured between the incident ray and the normal line drawn to the interface.
3. Refractive index: It is a measure of how much a medium can slow down the speed of light compared to its speed in a vacuum. The refractive index of a medium determines the extent of bending during refraction.
In the case of reflection, the key factors that influence the behavior of light are:
1. Angle of incidence: The angle at which light strikes a reflective surface affects the angle at which the light is reflected. The angle of incidence is measured between the incident ray and the normal line drawn to the surface.
2. Angle of reflection: The angle at which light is reflected off a surface is equal to the angle of incidence. It is measured between the reflected ray and the normal line.
3. Nature of the surface: The type of surface on which light falls determines the extent of reflection. A smooth and polished surface reflects light more uniformly, known as specular reflection. However, rough or uneven surfaces may scatter the light in various directions, called diffuse reflection.
Overall, refraction involves the bending of light as it travels from one medium to another, while reflection is the bouncing back of light when it encounters a surface. The behavior of light in each process is influenced by factors such as the change in medium, angle of incidence, refractive index, angle of reflection, and the nature of the reflecting or refracting surface.