Reflection & Mirrors
📋 What it is
Light bounces off surfaces at a predictable angle; smooth mirrors reflect a clear image.
🗣️ Coach says
When light hits a surface it reflects — and the angle it bounces off equals the angle it came in at. Smooth shiny surfaces (mirrors) reflect neatly, giving a clear image; rough surfaces scatter light in all directions, so you see the object but not a reflection.
🧠 Memory hook
Angle in = angle out. Smooth surface → clear image · rough surface → scatter.
😂 Giggle
Why did the photon check luggage at the airport?
Because it was traveling light!
😲 Whoa!
A mirror doesn’t actually flip left-and-right — it flips front-to-back. Your reflection’s raised right hand only "looks" like a left hand because you imagine turning around.
✅ Quick check: If light hits a mirror at 30° from the surface-normal, what angle does it reflect at?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
30° — the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.
The law of reflection: incoming and outgoing angles are equal.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Bounce a torch beam off a mirror onto the ceiling; change the mirror’s tilt and watch the spot move by the same angle.