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Reflection and Refraction

Author: Nathan Lampson

Reflection

Reflections occur when light waves are redirected by an object. When we look into the mirror, we see a reflection of ourselves.  Light that interacts with the surface of the mirror is reflected.

In this image, light from the skyline of the city is reflected off of the surface of the water. 

Refraction

When light waves are bent by a medium, they are refracted.  In this image a straw appears bent because the light that is illuminating the straw is bent by the water in the glass.