Reflection & Refraction
State the law of reflection (angle of incidence = angle of reflection) and explain refraction as the change in speed and direction when light crosses a boundary between two media; apply ray diagrams for plane mirrors and refracting surfaces
Typical age: 11–12 years
“If your child put a straw in a glass of water and it looked bent at the surface, could they explain why that happens — drawing a diagram to show the path of light at the water’s surface?”
0 / 4 mastered
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Needs first
- Drawing Ray DiagramsREQUIRED
The law of reflection is described and verified using ray diagrams for reflection
- Reflecting Light
Earlier work on light reflecting from surfaces provides the experiential grounding for formal reflection laws
- Light Travels in Straight LinesREQUIRED
Reflection and refraction build directly on understanding that light travels in straight lines and casts shadows
- Wave Behaviour VocabularyREQUIRED
Applying the law of reflection and refraction requires both 'angle of incidence/reflection' and 'refraction' vocabulary
Unlocks next
- Ray Diagrams & ImagesREQUIRED
Ray diagrams formalise the laws of reflection and refraction established in the prerequisite topic
- White Light & ColourREQUIRED
Dispersion of white light into a spectrum relies on understanding refraction (light bending at a boundary)
- The Electromagnetic Spectrum
Reflection and refraction of light provides entry-point experience with one member of the EM spectrum