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Reflection and refraction - EdexcelReflection of waves

All waves will reflect and refract in the right circumstances. The differences in transmission and absorption at material boundaries depend on the materials.

Part of Physics (Single Science)Waves

Reflection of waves

- including sound and light waves - can be reflected at the boundary between two different materials. The reflection of sound causes echoes.

The law of reflection states that:

angle of incidence = angle of reflection

For example, if a light ray hits a surface at 32掳, it will be reflected at 32掳.

The and are measured between the light ray and the - an imaginary line at 90掳 to the surface. The diagram shows a water wave being reflected at a barrier.

A diagram shows the law of reflection. It shows the incident wave and its angle of incidence, which reflects against a water barrier and reveals the incident wave鈥檚 angle of reflection.