Explain reflection and refraction of light waves using ray diagrams.

Reflection and refraction are behaviors of light waves where light either bounces off surfaces (reflection) or changes direction when passing through different mediums (refraction).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Reflection: Draw incident ray, normal line (90° to surface), and reflected ray. Angle of incidence (i) = angle of reflection (r)
Refraction: Draw incident ray, normal line, and refracted ray. When light enters denser medium, ray bends towards normal; when entering less dense medium, bends away
For refraction, label angles θ1 (in air) and θ2 (in medium)
Always use ruler and protractor for accurate measurements in ray diagrams

Key Mistake to Avoid: Students often forget to draw the normal line first, leading to incorrect angle measurements and inaccurate ray paths.



Quick Tip: Remember "i = r" for reflection and "towards normal in denser medium" for refraction - these are guaranteed exam questions.

_[Meets curriculum requirements for GCSE Physics specifications across all boards]_