What is Reflection of light?
It is the phenomenon where light strikes the surface of a non-luminous body and bounces off. In other words, luminous objects are a source of light and non-luminous objects provide a surface for reflection. This reflection of light helps us to see objects around us.
Reflection of light from an object
How do we see non-luminous objects?
When light reflects from the surface of a non-luminous object and enters our eye, we are able to see that object.
This is why we cannot see a non-luminous object in a dark room as there is no source of light to reflect off the object and enter our eyes.
Using the same principle, we can describe the formation of images in a mirror.
How is an image formed in a mirror?
When we stand in front of a mirror, we can see a perfect image of ourselves. This phenomenon can be divided into 3 steps –
- Light from a luminous object strikes our body
- The light reflects from our body and strikes the mirror
- On striking the mirror, light again reflects back and reaches our eyes This is how we can see ourselves in the
Image formation in a mirror