Chapter 29, Problem 12A

Distinguish between reflection and refraction.

To determine

To Explain: The difference between reflection and refraction.

Answer to Problem 12A

In reflection, the reflected ray comes in the same medium whereas in the refraction, the reflected ray reflected into the other medium.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

When the light fall on the smooth surface it may be reflected or refracted .

The reflection and refraction are two different phenomena. The reflection occurs in the same medium whereas the refraction occurs only when there are two mediums (rare or dense).

The reflection follows the law of reflection means incidence angle is equal to the reflection angle. The refraction does not follow the law of reflection.

When light strikes on the mirror it will reflect whereas when the light strikes to the lens it will refract from the air medium to the glass.

Conclusion:

The reflection occurs in the same medium whereas the refraction occurs in a different medium.