Reflection and refraction affect the path of light from "summary" of Fundamentals of Physics, Volume 1 (Chapters 1 - 20) by David Halliday,Robert Resnick,Jearl Walker
When light encounters a boundary between two different mediums, such as air and glass, it can change direction. This phenomenon is known as refraction. Refraction occurs because the speed of light is different in each medium, causing the light rays to bend as they pass from one medium to another.
The amount of bending that occurs during refraction depends on the difference in the speed of light between the two mediums. If the speed of light is greater in the second medium, the light will bend towards the normal line - an imaginary line perpendicular to the boundary. Conversely, if the speed of light is less in the second medium, the light will bend away from the normal line.
In addition to refraction, light can also change direction when it encounters a reflective surface. This phenomenon is known as reflection. When light reflects off a surface, it follows the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This means that the angle at which the light strikes the surface is equal to the angle at which it bounces off.
Both reflection and refraction play a crucial role in determining the path that light takes as it travels through different mediums. By understanding how light behaves when it encounters boundaries and reflective surfaces, we can predict and control the path that light will follow. This knowledge is essential in various fields, from optics and photography to everyday phenomena such as rainbows and mirages.
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