SNC2D1
Unit 2: Light and Geometric Optics (Chapter 11, 12 and 13)
Date:__________________
Name:_____________________
11.6 The Laws of Reflection
The laws of reflection states that when a light hits a plane mirror,
1. The __________________________________________________.
2. The _____________________________________________________________
Specular versus Diffuse Reflection
Description
Specular
Reflection
Diffuse
Reflection
Examples

Diagram

Example:
A light ray strikes a flat mirror with a 30-degree angle of incidence. Draw a ray diagram to show how the
light ray interacts with the mirror. Label the normal line, the incident ray, and the reflected ray.
Solution:
Homework: Read 11.6, Complete the practice questions on the next page and also p. 486 #1-6 ;
SNC2D1
Unit 2: Light and Geometric Optics (Chapter 11, 12 and 13)
Ray Diagram Practice Questions:
In these practice questions you will use the law of reflection and a protractor to measure and draw light
rays.
1. Use the law of reflection to draw the path of the reflected ray from the mirror in the diagrams below.
In the diagrams, draw the normal line, measure the angle of incidence, the draw the reflected ray.
Indicate the angles on each diagram.
2. Draw a diagram that shows a mirror with a normal line and a ray of light hitting the mirror at an angle
of incidence of 60 degrees. In the diagram, label the angle of reflection. How many degrees is this
angle of reflection?
3. A ray of light strikes a mirror. The angle formed by the incident ray and the reflected ray measures
90 degrees. What are the measurements of the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?
4. A ray of light strikes a mirror. The light source is on the normal line. Draw the incidents and reflected
rays. What are the measurements of the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection?