reflection
Sign in to savechange in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated
AI overview
Reflection is what happens when a wave—like light or sound—bounces off a surface and travels back into the material it came from, rather than passing through. It matters because reflection is how we see objects, hear echoes, and use many technologies from mirrors to sonar.
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Article
The reflection of Mount Hood in Mirror Lake Reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves. The law of reflection says that for specular reflection (for example at a mirror) the angle at which the wave is incident on the surface equals the angle at which it is reflected.
In acoustics, reflection causes echoes and is used in sonar. In geology, it is important in the study of seismic waves. Reflection is observed with surface waves in bodies of water. Reflection is observed with many types of electromagnetic wave, besides visible light. Reflection of VHF and higher frequencies is important for radio transmission and for radar. Even hard X-rays and gamma rays can be reflected at shallow angles with special "grazing" mirrors.