Does Light Really Stop and Turn Back When Reflected?

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Light does not stop when reflected; instead, it is redirected from a forward direction to a reverse direction. If light is absorbed by a surface and then re-emitted, there is a minuscule delay during this process. The discussion highlights that light's behavior can be compared to the game Portals, where waves enter and exit the same point. Additionally, the concept of light slowing down when transitioning between media is debated, with some arguing it is due to absorption and re-emission rather than a true slowdown. Overall, the nature of light reflection and interaction with surfaces remains a complex topic.
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Does the light stop and turn back or does it interact with the surface and make a u turn.
 
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When light is truly reflected, it does not 'stop'---the waveform is essentially redirected from the forward direction to the reverse direction. If you've played the game Portals, you might imagine the wave going into and back out of the same place.

If the light isn't actually reflected, but is instead absorbed and re-emitted in the reverse direction, then there is some very very small period of time between it being absorbed and re-emitted.
 


zhermes said:
When light is truly reflected, it does not 'stop'---the waveform is essentially redirected from the forward direction to the reverse direction. If you've played the game Portals, you might imagine the wave going into and back out of the same place.

If the light isn't actually reflected, but is instead absorbed and re-emitted in the reverse direction, then there is some very very small period of time between it being absorbed and re-emitted.

I read an argument that light does not actually slow down when it goes from one medium into another but that it is absorbed and re-emitted. This is partly why I asked the question. Pretty sharp of you to see that.
 

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