Reflection - AP Physics 2

Virtual, upright, and same size as object. Standard characteristics of plane mirror images.

Diverges light rays. Convex shape spreads light outward.

$\theta_i = \theta_r$. Mathematical expression of the law of reflection.

Incident and reflected rays are symmetric about the normal. Geometric principle for constructing ray diagrams.

The image size is the same as the object size. Plane mirrors produce images with magnification of 1.

$\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{d_o} + \frac{1}{d_i}$. Relates focal length to object and image distances.

A line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence. Essential reference line for measuring reflection angles.

Wavelength remains unchanged. Wavelength depends only on the medium, which doesn't change.

The angle between the reflected ray and the normal. Also measured from the normal to the surface.

No, frequency remains unchanged. Frequency is an intrinsic property of light that remains constant.

The point where parallel rays converge after reflection. Where parallel rays meet after reflecting from a concave mirror.

Specular reflection. Mirrors need predictable, uniform reflection patterns.

The image is virtual and upright. Convex mirrors always produce diminished, virtual, upright images.

Used as security mirrors to provide a wide field of view. Convex mirrors provide wide-angle views for safety.

The angle between the incident ray and the normal. Measured from the normal, not the surface itself.

A convex mirror. Convex mirrors cannot form real images due to their diverging nature.

It scatters in different directions. This describes diffuse reflection from rough surfaces.

Virtual, upright, and same size as object. Standard characteristics of plane mirror images.

Reflection from a smooth surface in a single direction. Creates clear reflections like mirrors.

A line perpendicular to the mirror's surface passing through its center. Central reference line for mirror geometry and calculations.

Speed of light remains unchanged. Light stays in the same medium during reflection.

Negative. Convex mirrors have negative focal lengths by convention.

Incident and reflected rays are symmetric about the normal. Geometric principle for constructing ray diagrams.

Light reflecting off a paper. Paper's rough surface scatters light in all directions.

Concave mirrors are used to focus sunlight. Concave mirrors concentrate solar energy for heating applications.

The radius of the sphere of which the mirror is a part. Determines the mirror's curvature and focal length.

The point where the principal axis meets the mirror. The geometric center point of the mirror surface.

Converges light rays to a focal point. Concave shape focuses light inward.

Magnification $m = -\frac{d_i}{d_o}$. Negative sign indicates image inversion relative to object.