Reflection
If you read the page on how we see, you will know that light reflects. But you may not know that on a flat surface, it always bounces back off at the same angle it bounced on.
Look at the diagram. Let's say that the angle of incidence hits the normal at 35°, the angle of reflection would also be 35° to the normal. |
Refraction
Refraction happens when light travels through a material with a different density. Look at the diagram, light hits the block and bends slightly, it then leaves the more dense material and bends again.
The reason this happens, is that light is always trying to find the fastest rout. Think of lightning. It comes down in a zigzag shape. This is because the atoms in the air are blocking its route. |