Reflection (physics)

Reflection is the abrupt change in direction of a wave front at an interface between two dissimilar media so that the wave front returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves.

Related Topics:
Wave - Interface - Light - Sound

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Reflection of light may be specular (that is, mirror-like) or diffuse (that is, not retaining the image, only the energy) depending on the nature of the interface. Whether the interfaces consists of dielectric-conductor or dielectric-dielectric, the phase of the reflected wave may or may not be inverted.

Related Topics:
Specular - Diffuse - Energy - Phase

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