Difference between reflection and refraction
| REFLECTION | REFRACTION |
|
Definition |
|
| Turning back of light from a medium after striking is called reflection of light.
|
The change of direction and velocity of light as it enters ‘from medium another is called reflection of light. |
|
Angle of Incidence |
|
| The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
|
The angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of refraction because from a rare medium a denser medium it bends towards the normal and when moves from denser to the rare medium it bends away from the normal. According to snell’s law.
Reflecting index =
|
|
Reflecting surface |
|
| Reflection takes place mostly in the mirror or smooth shining surface. | Refraction takes place in lenses, plane glass, and prisms. |
.
REFRACTION
Definition
The change of direction and velocity of light as it enters from one medium to another is known as the refraction of light
OR
When a beam of light is incident upon the boundary separating two transparent mediums such as air and water some of light is reflected in the same medium while the remaining potion enters the second medium and its path undergoes a change in direction this is called refraction.
OR
The change of direction of light rays as they pass obliquely from one medium to another is called refraction of light
OR
The change of velocity of light rays as they pass from one medium to another medium is called the refraction of light.
