Reflection by Light

Grade 11 · Physics

Semester 2 | Period 6 | Week 33

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Subject: Physics

Semester: 2

Period: 6

Week: 33


School Name:

Teacher’s Name:

Subject: Physics

Grade Level: Grade 11

Week & Period: Week 33, Period VI

Date:

Topic: Reflection of Light
Sub-topic: Reflection by Plane and Spherical Mirrors

Learning Objectives:

By the end of the lesson, learners should be able to:

  1. State and apply the laws of reflection.
  2. Distinguish between regular and diffused reflection.
  3. Describe the formation of images in plane and curved (concave and convex) mirrors.
  4. Construct ray diagrams showing image formation.
  5. Solve problems involving mirror equations and magnification.

 

Previous Knowledge:

Learners know that light travels in straight lines and can form shadows. They are familiar with everyday use of mirrors.

 

Instructional Materials:

  • Plane mirror
  • Concave and convex mirrors
  • Ruler, protractor, pencil
  • Ray box or torch
  • White paper or cardboard
  • Mirror stands
  • Object pins

 

Anticipation (Warm-Up) – 5 minutes:

Ask:

  • “Why do you see your face in the mirror?”
  • “What happens when you shine a torch at a mirror at an angle?”

Use a ray box and plane mirror to show how light reflects.

 

Building Knowledge (Main Lesson) – 25 minutes

  1. Laws of Reflection:
  2. The incident ray, reflected ray, and normal all lie in the same plane.
  3. The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Diagram: Show incident ray, normal, and reflected ray at a plane surface.

  1. Types of Reflection:
  • Regular (specular) reflection: From smooth surfaces like mirrors.
  • Diffuse reflection: From rough surfaces, causing scattered rays.
  1. Plane Mirrors:
  • Image formed is:
    • Virtual
    • Erect
    • Laterally inverted
    • Same size and distance behind the mirror
  1. Spherical Mirrors:

       a. Concave Mirror (Converging):

  • Can form real or virtual images depending on object distance.
  • Applications: makeup mirrors, headlamps, solar concentrators.

       b. Convex Mirror (Diverging):

  • Always forms virtual, erect, and diminished images.
  • Applications: car side mirrors, security mirrors.
  1. Ray Diagrams (Concave Mirror):

Use focal point (F) and center of curvature (C) to show:

  • Object beyond C → real, inverted, diminished
  • Object at C → real, inverted, same size
  • Object between F and mirror → virtual, erect, magnified

 

Learners’ Activities:

  • Perform ray-tracing with a plane mirror.
  • Draw ray diagrams for concave mirrors.
  • Measure object/image distances and verify mirror equation experimentally.
  • Compare images formed by convex and concave mirrors.

 

Experiment: Verifying the Law of Reflection

Title: Measuring Angles of Incidence and Reflection
Materials: Plane mirror, white paper, protractor, ray box, ruler
Procedure:

  1. Draw a normal on the paper.
  2. Direct a ray at various angles of incidence.
  3. Trace and measure angles of reflection.
    Observation: Angle of reflection equals angle of incidence.

 

Sample Problem:

Q: An object is placed 20 cm from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm. Find the image distance and magnification.

Solution:

Consolidation (Review and Assessment) – 10 minutes

Oral Questions:

  • What are the two laws of reflection?
  • What type of image does a plane mirror form?
  • How does a convex mirror differ from a concave mirror?

Assignment:

  1. Draw ray diagrams showing how a concave mirror forms a real and virtual image.
  2. State two applications each of concave and convex mirrors.

 

Notes – Detailed and Explained

  • Plane mirrors always form virtual, laterally inverted images.
  • Concave mirrors can form real or virtual images based on distance.
  • Convex mirrors always form virtual, erect images.
  • Mirror equations help in locating image positions numerically.
  • Reflection is governed by strict geometric rules.

 

Expanded Notes / Instructions:

  • Include animations or apps for ray tracing simulations if possible.
  • Bring real objects like spoons to show both concave and convex properties.
  • Use practical examples like headlights and security mirrors.

 

Differentiation:

  • Provide labeled diagrams for visual learners.
  • Let kinesthetic learners build their own ray boxes using cardboard.
  • Discussion and group sketching to support collaborative learners.

 

Teacher’s Reflection:

  • Did students understand the mirror equation?
  • Were they able to identify types of mirrors and uses?
  • Did ray diagrams clarify image formation?