Light bounces back
When light hits a smooth, shiny surface such as a mirror, it does not stop. Instead it bounces off. This bouncing of light is called reflection.
A mirror gives a clear reflection because its surface is very smooth and shiny. That is how you can see your own face in it.
Key idea
Reflection is light bouncing off a surface. Smooth, shiny surfaces reflect light best.
Shiny and dull surfaces
Not all surfaces reflect light the same way. Smooth surfaces give a clear picture, while rough or dull surfaces scatter the light.
- Smooth and shiny: mirror, still water, polished metal — clear reflection.
- Rough or dull: paper, wall, cloth — blurry or no clear reflection.
This is why a mirror shows a clear picture but a wall does not. The smoother the surface, the clearer the reflection you get.
Example
On a calm day you can see hills reflected in a still lake. When the wind makes ripples, the picture becomes blurry because the water is no longer smooth.
Remember
- We see things because light reflects off them into our eyes.
- Mirrors and car side mirrors use reflection to help us.