What is the Law of Reflection for Waves on Solid Surfaces?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the law of reflection for waves on solid surfaces, focusing on the concepts of incident and reflected waves, as well as the normal line in relation to these waves. Participants seek clarification on these terms and their implications in the context of wave behavior, particularly in relation to diagrams illustrating reflection.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants explain that the "incident ray" refers to the incoming wave or ray that strikes a surface, contrasting it with the reflected ray that bounces off the surface.
  • There is a description of the normal line as a theoretical line drawn perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence, from which angles of incidence and reflection are measured.
  • One participant uses a metaphorical example to illustrate the meaning of "incident," suggesting it simply means something that hits a surface.
  • Participants express that the explanations provided make more sense than the definitions found in textbooks.
  • There is a light-hearted exchange among participants regarding personal interests and the community aspect of the forum.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the definitions of incident and reflected rays, as well as the role of the normal line. However, the discussion remains exploratory, with no formal consensus on deeper implications or applications of these concepts.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion regarding the diagram and the specific details of wave behavior, indicating that further clarification may be needed on these points.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking a clearer understanding of wave reflection concepts, particularly students or enthusiasts in physics or related fields.

_Mayday_
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I am having trouble understanding this idea, I will quote what I have read and then post an image. This is not a homework question if anyone asks, it is an extension of what I am doing at school, but I would like to do some work through my week off. :-p

"Waves that are incident on solid surfaces obey the law of reflection. The angle between the direction of travel of the incident wave energy and the normal to the surface is equal to the angle between the direction of travel of the reflected energy and the normal."

http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/6739/wavesol6.png


Question

a) What is the "incident"? I have looked it up but everywhere I look it is written in a way I do not understand, could someone please dum it down a bit :shy:

b) On the diagram I do not know what is happening? Like where is the wave coming from and what is the normal and reflected energy?

Any help would be great :smile:
 
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_Mayday_ said:
a) What is the "incident"? I have looked it up but everywhere I look it is written in a way I do not understand, could someone please dum it down a bit :shy:
The "incident ray" simply means the incoming ray as opposed to the reflected ray. Imagine shining a laser onto a mirror, the part of the beam between your laser and the mirror is the incident beam since the light is traveling towards the mirror; once the beam has "touched" the mirror it becomes the reflected beam. I hope that clears it up.
_Mayday_ said:
b) On the diagram I do not know what is happening? Like where is the wave coming from and what is the normal and reflected energy?
Following on from my previous comment, you should know be able to determine where the light is coming from. The normal is just a "theoretical" line that is drawn normal (or perpendicular/orthogonal) to the mirror at the point where the beam "hits" the mirror. The reason it's there is the angles of incidence and reflection are measure from the normal line.
 
As far as I know, 'incident' simply means that it hits the thing. At least, that's what it means in 'literary' English. As in "The sunlight incident upon the meadow scared the hell out of the vampires who were sleeping in the dandilions."
The picture seems to indicate a basic reflection wherein the angle at which something exits a target is equal but opposite to that with which it 'incidented'.

edit: Oops! Hi, Hoot. You sneaked in whilst I was composing.
Love your avatar, by the bye. Hugh Laurie rules!
 
Danger said:
edit: Oops! Hi, Hoot. You sneaked in whilst I was composing.
Love your avatar, by the bye. Hugh Laurie rules!
Hi Danger! That's right Danger I've been behind you all day ... :wink: Hugh Laurie is awesome, especially in House.
 
Hootenanny said:
The "incident ray" simply means the incoming ray as opposed to the reflected ray. Imagine shining a laser onto a mirror, the part of the beam between your laser and the mirror is the incident beam since the light is traveling towards the mirror; once the beam has "touched" the mirror it becomes the reflected beam. I hope that clears it up.

Following on from my previous comment, you should know be able to determine where the light is coming from. The normal is just a "theoretical" line that is drawn normal (or perpendicular/orthogonal) to the mirror at the point where the beam "hits" the mirror. The reason it's there is the angles of incidence and reflection are measure from the normal line.

It's amazing how much more sense that makes than how the book put it. :-p Thanks again Hoot!

Danger said:
As far as I know, 'incident' simply means that it hits the thing. At least, that's what it means in 'literary' English. As in "The sunlight incident upon the meadow scared the hell out of the vampires who were sleeping in the dandilions."
The picture seems to indicate a basic reflection wherein the angle at which something exits a target is equal but opposite to that with which it 'incidented'.

edit: Oops! Hi, Hoot. You sneaked in whilst I was composing.
Love your avatar, by the bye. Hugh Laurie rules!

Thanks Danger, yeh I have to agree with you on that one the avatar is pretty sweet. I think I may become a contributer just to have a cool avatar and this site is like a second teacher :!)
 
_Mayday_ said:
this site is like a second teacher :!)

I'm more of an evil influence than a teacher myself, but everyone here is very proud when someone benefits from the site. Having an avatar and signature are nice perks, but not necessities. The real reason for becoming a contributor is to help keep the site going and growing and helping more people. I'd keep paying even if I got banned.
 
_Mayday_ said:
It's amazing how much more sense that makes than how the book put it. :-p Thanks again Hoot!
A pleasure as always Mayday :smile:
 

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