What is reflection
Reflection is the fact and effect of considering something carefully. A reflection is also a warning, a comment or advice that is intended to influence someone.
In Physics, reflection is the phenomenon of change in the direction or sense of propagation of a wave when it encounters a smooth or rough surface.
Reflection can be used in different areas of study. Reflection as a thought process allows us to reflect externally the result of our considerations. And, reflection as the physical phenomenon that projects a wave, of light or sound, on a surface and that bounces back to the same medium of propagation.
Reflection and refraction of light
Reflection is a physical phenomenon related to the change in direction of a wave when it touches a surface, without changing its medium of propagation.
When reflection occurs on a smooth or polished surface, the wave touches the surface, changes direction, and maintains its medium of propagation.
However, if the reflection occurs on a rough surface, the wave is reflected in various directions, and wave diffusion occurs.
Reflection of light
Reflection of an eagle in the water.
Light reflection is an optical phenomenon that occurs when a ray of light hits or collides with a surface, and returns to its medium of propagation.
It consists of the following elements:
The incident lightning: It is the ray of light that comes into contact with a surface.
The reflected ray: It is the ray that bounces and deflects from the surface.
The normal: It is a straight line perpendicular to the surface that is used to measure the angle of the ray of incidence and the angle of the ray of reflection.
The reflection of light is governed by two laws:
First law: establishes that the incident light ray, the reflected light ray and the normal are located in the same plane.
Second law: states that the angle of the incident ray of light is equal to the reflected ray of light.
Examples of light reflection are our reflection in a mirror, the possibility of seeing the shapes of the objects that surround us, the reflection of images on the surface of a bubble.
light refraction
Light refraction is the change produced in the propagation path of light when it crosses obliquely the separation surface of two transparent media of different nature.
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Personal reflection
A personal reflection is a natural thought process, which is typical of human beings and can lead to knowledge. Reflection is also an act of introspection that allows us to think carefully about a particular issue or circumstance.
It is through personal reflection that ideas can be analyzed, interpreted or clarified that lead us to a series of conclusions. For example, a reflection on respect can allow us to understand the importance of listening carefully and paying attention to what our parents tell us.
A personal reflection arises from the need to understand what surrounds us, improve a situation, modify behavior or find the necessary motivation to carry out a plan or project. For example, understanding that making fun of another is wrong will allow us to apologize and improve our behavior.
Reflection can even serve as a personal evaluation strategy to check the achievement of the proposed objectives.
For example, how to reflect when we do not achieve a goal? First, we must stop and take time to think about what we are doing. Once our ideas are clarified, we distinguish wrong decisions and what we can do better or differently.
You can also do a life reflection in which you question what to do when we don’t like something? What can I do differently? These reflections can lead us to answers and action to improve our well-being.
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