Reflection
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 9.1.3
Reflection
Light travels in straight lines. When light hits the surface of an object, it reflects away at the same angle as it hit the surface. This angle is called the angle of reflection.
Reflection surfaces
- Smooth surfaces reflect light very well into our eyes.
- Example: a mirror.
- Rough surfaces scatter the light in different directions.
- Rough surfaces do not reflect light well.
Seeing with light
- Light reflects into our eyes through a hole at the front of our eyes called the pupil.
- Light travels to the back of the eye, where it is converted into a nerve signal and sent to the brain.
- The brain then helps you understand what you are seeing.
Test yourself on Reflection
What type of surface reflects light the best?
When light hits the surface of an object, it reflects away at the same angle at which it hit the surface. What is that angle called?