The Law of Reflection
The Law of Reflection Video Tutorial introduces the vocabulary of reflection (incident ray, reflected ray, angle of incidence, and angle of reflection) and describes and illustrates the law of reflection. The application of the law of reflection to the viewing of images in plane mirrors is explained. Some examples of the use of geometry principles combined with the law of reflection are discussed.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- What is the law of reflection for light bouncing off of surfaces like mirrors?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Concept Builders: The Law of Reflection
It's difficult to find beetter practice than a Concept Builder. This particular one on the Law of Reflection makes for a perfect follow-up. There's three levels of difficulty. Start easy; finish strong!
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors Module, Mission RM1
Minds On Physics has always been a tool that trains students to read closely, think deeply, and reason conceptually. This mission on The Law of Reflection will do all that and more. Give it a try.
Physics Interactives, Reflection and Refraction, Image Formation by Plane Mirrors
This interactive Tutorial takes the topic a bit further than the video but nonetheless includes some good information and simulations that make it a worthy follow-up to the video.
Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, the Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. The page below is the written version of this video lesson:
The Law of Reflection
Teacher Resources
Curriculum Corner, Reflection and Mirrors
Our Curriculum Corner includes in excess of 200 Think Sheets on discrete topics. Each Think Sheet takes a developmental approach to a topic. The one on Light Reflection would make a great in-class follow up for this video. Combine it with a MOP mission or a Concept Builder and you will have a great lesson.
Concept Builders, The Law of Reflection
Students will love this Concept Builder. There are three levels of difficulty. An incident ray is given; students must identify the reflected ray. It's a great assessment of their understanding.
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors Module, Mission RM1
Minds On Physics has always been a tool that trains students to read closely, think deeply, and reason conceptually. This mission on The Law of Reflection will do all that and more. Give it a try.
Physics Interactives, Reflection and Refraction, Image Formation by Plane Mirrors
You must check out this 2-part combination tutorial/simulation on the topic of Plane Mirror Images. You'll be amazedat how powerfully it explains both the law of reflection and the formation of images. Use it in class. Check off student completion using our Star system.
Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 1
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, The Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. Many teachers include these as links for students on their course management sites. This page is the written version of our video tutorial.
The Law of Reflection
Teacher Toolkits: Plane Mirrors
We love our Teacher Toolkits. We hope you do as well. They include a collection of links to vetted resources throughout the web that are standards-based and multi-media driven.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.