Reflection and refraction of light

Learning objectives

Use the terms normal, angle of incidence and angle of reflection, and apply the law of reflection to rays meeting a plane mirror

Describe the image in a plane mirror as virtual, the same size as the object and the same distance behind the mirror, and at Extended construct ray diagrams to locate it

Describe refraction at a plane boundary using the normal, angle of incidence and angle of refraction, and draw ray diagrams for light passing between air and glass or water

Define refractive index as n = sin i / sin r and use it in calculations (Extended)

Describe internal reflection and total internal reflection with experimental and everyday examples, explain the meaning of critical angle and, at Extended, use n = 1/sin c

Describe how total internal reflection in optical fibres is used in telecommunications and in medicine (Extended)