Reflection and Refraction

TEKS 5.8B

Day 1 Vocabulary I Need to Know

Surface- The surface of the table is red. Reflect- I can see my reflection in a mirror. Refract- Refraction in the bending of light. Absorb- Absorption happens when light that hits an object is taken in by the object. Black or dark objects absorb almost all the light that hits them. White objects absorb almost no light.

Every second of every day our eyes detect and interpret rays of light whether that light is coming from a natural source like the sun, or an artificial source like a lamp. One of the properties of light is that it travels in a straight line, unless it is acted on by some external force or condition.

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However, sometimes our eyes can be fooled by the reflection and refraction of light. When interfered with, the path of light rays can be bounced or appear to be bent away from the original object making it seem larger or smaller than it really is.

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Reflection
When light strikes a surface and is redirected back to its point of origin, this is reflection. We can see objects when they reflect light, and the reflected light enters our eyes. Most objects reflect some of the light that hits them. Smooth, shiny surfaces that absorb very little light, will reflect light at almost the same angle that the light hits it.

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Mirrors reflect images of objects because light rays bounce off an object, travel in a straight line to a mirror, bounce off the mirror, and then travel to the eye of the observer.
Light beams Mirror

Complete the first activity located on your table with a partner.

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Refraction
When the path of the light rays change directions and appear to bend we call it refraction. occurs when light passes from one substance to another of a different density (for example, from air to water) amount of refraction depends on the angle the light enters the new substance and the difference in the densities of the two the greater the angle, the more the light ray will be bent
Activity 2: Place a pencil in the glass of water. How did the pencil change? In your science journal illustrate and explain how the pencil changed.

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Examples of Refraction
Prism

Rainbow

Magnifying glass

Refracting telescopes and regular cameras use lenses to gather and focus light.

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Decide whether each object below best represents reflection or refraction. Click on your answer to find out if you are correct.

reflection

refraction

reflection

refraction

reflection

refraction

reflection

refraction reflection refraction

reflection

refraction

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You are correct This picture illustrates reflection. Light bounces off of the object and does not pass through.

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You are correct. This picture illustrates refraction. As light passes through the object it is bent by the denser substance.

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Sorry, that is not correct

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Day 2 One way solid objects are classified is by how much light is allowed to pass through that object. A transparent object lets all of the light pass through.

A translucent object lets some light pass through.

An opaque object lets none of the light pass through.

transparent

translucent

opaque next

Complete the activity located at your table with your shoulder partner.

You are about to see several objects. Your job is to decide if they are mostly transparent, translucent or opaque After you decide, click on the object to see if you are correct. Some pictures have two options. The computer is opaque. No The brick wall is These This sphere pens are is light is passing through, so you This window is transparent . opaque . You translucent transparent . . Enough You can light This lampshade is behind it. cannot see anything You can clearly see the you cannot see any passes clearly through see the to man allow translucent Someis of the However, the .other screen image on the side part of the boy to inside. see some The of man, the inside, of light passes through, but you not transparent . That is why because all of the light is through the wall. but course, not enough is opaque. to see all of it. see the mans face can clearly passing through. everything clearly. behind the screen.
(NOTE: The next picture will come in automatically do not click again to advance. Click only to check your answer.)

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Now, try answering these questions:

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Unless acted upon, how does light travel? A. Bent at a 500 angle. B. C. In a straight line. In a curved arch.

D. Light doesnt have a preferred path.

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Answer B is correct: Light travels in a straight line.

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These answers are not correct because

Answer A Although light is often bent at a 500 angle, that only happens when something acts upon it to make it change its path. Answer C Light does not usually travel in an arch. Answer D Light does have a preferred path a straight line.

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All the following are examples of light being refracted EXCEPT

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Answer choice D is correct. The mirror is using reflection to bounce light off of its surface.

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These answers are not correct because:

Answer A Look at the bent light rays. A rainbow is the result of light being refracted. Answer B Look at the bent light rays. A prism bends light. Answer C - The straw looks bent in this picture. It is an example of refraction, not reflection.

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Which answer below names two conditions in which refraction can occur?
A.Opaque and transparent B.Transparent and black C.Translucent and transparent D.Translucent and opaque

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Answer choice C is Correct: In order for light to pass through an object and be refracted, the object must be transparent (see-through) or translucent (semi-transparent).

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These answers are not correct because:

Answer A - An opaque object would not allow light to pass through it. Answer B A black surface would not necessarily allow light to pass through it. Answer D An opaque surface would not allow light to pass through it.

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In this picture, the straw appears to be bent. This is because

A.milk is an opaque substance. B.light is being refracted. C.it is a magic trick.

D.light is being reflected.

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Answer B is correct. The straw appears to be bent because light is being refracted as it passes through the air into the liquid.

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These answers are not correct because:

A. An opaque substance if the liquid were opaque, we would not be able to see the straw. B. A magic trick it is not a trick that the light is being bent, or refracted, as it moved through the liquid C. Light being reflected although some light may be reflected by the glass, that is not the reason why the straw appears to be bent.
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Which of these objects best illustrates reflection? A. Prism B. Rose Quartz

C. Window

D. Paper

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Answer C is correct.

The smooth surface of the window is reflecting the image of nearby buildings.

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These answers are not correct because:

A Prism light is being refracted as it passes through the prism B - Rose Quartz the surface of this rock is too rough to reflect light D -Paper since paper is opaque, light would not bounce off or be refracted.

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Look at the objects below. Which one uses refraction?

A
B

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Answer Choice C is CORRECT. A rainbow uses refraction. The light is bent as it passes through the air and water droplets.

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Answer choice A, B, and D are not correct. Mirrors use reflection of light in order to see an object, not refraction.

The End

Resources for images:

Transparent screen: www.computeramerica.com/.../2005/2005-04-04.htm Transparent watch: www.swatchforum.com/curiosities.html Virtusphere: www.virtusphere.net/product.htm Opaque pitchers: www.guild.com/artitem/30336.html Transclucent pen www.promotional-pens.us/promotional-pens/basi...