Task 2a: Reflection
a) Use a ray box to investigate how light is reflected by a plane mirror (flat mirror). Make accurate ray diagrams of the incident ray and the reflected ray.
b) Describe how the mirror reflects the light. (is it an accurate ray or is it scattered?)
c) What is the link between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?
d) How do normal surfaces reflect light differently to mirrors? Why does this happen?
Write these up for your portfolio – include all diagrams and photos.
Task 2b: Mirrors
a) Use a 3-slit insert in a ray box to investigate how curved mirrors reflect light. There are two types – concave and convex. They curve in opposite directions.
b) Find ray diagrams online to show how concave and convex mirrors reflect light.
c) Do these diagrams match your own findings? If not, what might have gone wrong?
Write these up for your portfolio – include all diagrams and photos.