Chapter

10
Properties of Light

Light can transmit, absorb and reflect.

Student Learning Outcomes

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:
 Differentiate between transmission, absorption and reflection of light.
 Demonstrate the laws of reflection.
 Demonstrate the difference between smooth, shiny, and rough surfaces.
 Compare the regular and diffuse reflection.
 Identify everyday applications, which involve regular reflection and diffuse
reflection.
 Draw ray diagrams for light reflected from a plane mirror at different
angles of incidence.
 Describe image formation by a plane mirror.
 Compare characteristics of the images formed by a plane mirror and a
pinhole camera.
 Explain the use of reflecting surfaces in different devices.
 Design an experiment to make an optical instrument using mirrors.
 Explain the principle of reflection in a kaleidoscope.
 Describe the relationship of angles between two mirrors and the number
of images you can see in a kaleidoscope.
 Explain types of mirror and their uses in our daily life.
 Investigate the image formation by convex and concave mirrors.
 Light is a form of energy which is given out by luminous objects. The
Sun, bulb, candle, etc. are luminous objects. Other objects which do not give out
light are called non-luminous.
Light can pass through transparent materials. Glass, water, clear plastic
and air are transparent materials. Light can not pass through translucent
materials. A tracing paper, frosted glass and waxed paper are translucent materials.

Transmission, Absorption and Reflection of Light

Light behaves differently when it falls on different objects. When light falls
on the surface of a non-luminous object, it can behave in three ways (Fig.10.1):
1. When light falls on transparent objects, it is transmitted to the other side.
That is why, we can see across transparent objects.
2. When light falls on rough opaque objects, most part of this light is
absorbed and changed into heat energy. A black surface absorbs most of
the light.
3. When light falls on a smooth shiny surface, it bounces off in one particular
direction. This bouncing off of light is called reflection of light.

d ray
lecte
absorption only ref
Transparent tran
sm Black, rough, opaque surface Smooth, shiny, opaque surface
surface itte
d ra
y
Fig.10.1: Behaviour of light on different surfaces

A part of light passes through a

surface (windscreen of a car),
some part is reflected and rest of
light is absorbed in the surface. It
means transmission, reflection
and absorption occur at the same
time.

inc
d ray
ide
nt le cte
ray ref
Fig.10.2: Identify transmission, absorption tran
Car windscreen sm
and reflection of light in the picture. itte
d ra
y

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 How Reflection Occurs
Reflection occurs when a light ray Mirror
strikes a shiny surface (mirror) and bounces inc
ide
off (Fig. 10.3). The ray that strikes the shiny nt r
ay
surface is called incident ray. The ray that
i
bounces off is called reflected ray. The point normal P
at which incident ray strikes is called point of r
point of
incidence. The line perpendicular on the incidence
d ray
e
point of incidence is called normal. Incident ect
refl
ray forms angle of incidence with the normal.
It is denoted by ‘i’. The angle that reflected ray
forms with the normal is called angle of Fig.10.3: Reflection of light
reflection. It is denoted by ‘r’.

Laws of Reflection
It has been found experimentally that reflection of light obeys certain
laws as:
1. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
2. The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal at the point of
incidence all lie on the same plane.
These are called the laws of reflection.

Activity 10.1 P
A B
1. Fix a white paper on a drawing board using
the drawing pins. R S
2. Place a mirror strip AB (fixed in a stand) on
the paper. Q T
3. Fix two common pins Q and R before the
mirror in a line. N
4. See the images of the pins in the mirror and fix two more common pins S and
T in such a way that images of pins Q and R and pins S and T lie on the same
straight line.
5. Join the points Q, R, S, and T with the AB (strip) on point P. Draw a
perpendicular line on P. It is normal.
Observe the angle of incidence QPN that incident ray QR forms with the normal
and the angle of reflection NPT that reflected ray ST forms with the normal. We
will observe that:
_ The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
_ The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal on the point of incidence all
lie on the same plane.
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 Types of Reflecting Surfaces
Some surfaces reflect more light than the others. A reflecting surface may
be smooth or rough.
Smooth Surface
A plane surface is called a smooth surface.
When parallel light rays hit a smooth shiny surface, Fig. 10.4: Regular reflection
all the rays are reflected at the same angle. It is of light from a smooth shiny
called regular reflection of light (Fig.10.4). surface

Rough Surface
An uneven surface is called a rough surface.
When parallel light rays hit a rough surface, all the
rays are reflected at different angles. It is called Fig. 10.5: Diffused reflection
diffused reflection of light (Fig.10.5). of light from a rough surface

Applications of Regular and Diffused Reflection in Everyday Life

Regular and diffused reflections of light have many applications in our
everyday life:
q Due to the regular reflection of light we look our image in the plane mirror.
q We can turn the sunlight towards dark places by the regular reflection of
light with the help of a shiny surface.
q Sunlight does not reach directly in our rooms, but we can see things in our
rooms. This is because of diffused reflection of light. The light scatters in
different directions when it shines on dust particles.
q We can see things just before the sunrise and just after the sunset due to
the diffused reflection of light.

Images Formed By a Plane Mirror

A shiny surface is called a mirror. A plane mirror
has a smooth and flat surface. We see images in a plane
mirror when light reflected by the mirror enters our eyes.
We use a plane mirror to see our faces. We observe that;
1. The image formed by a plane mirror is upright
(straight upward).
2. The image is equal in size to the object. Fig.10.6: Reflection in
a plane mirror
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3. The image is laterally inverted. It means your right becomes left in the
image.
4. The image in the plane mirror is virtual. It means the image disappears on
removing the object.
5. The image is as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
Ray Diagram For Light Reflected From a Plane Mirror
Take a sheet of white paper and fix it on a drawing board. Draw a line MR
on the sheet and put a plane mirror vertically along the line. Now fix a pin O,
serving as the object before the mirror (Fig.10.7). I
View the image I of pin O from left side of the
object pin and fix two pins P and Q in such a way
that both of these pins and image I lie in the A N B
M R
straight line. Now view the image from the Q aa b b S
right of the pin O and fix two pins S and T in
P T
the same way.
O
Remove all the pins and put cross
Fig.10.7: Ray diagram for plane mirror
(x) to mark each pin hole. Draw lines PQ
and ST beyond the mirror line MR till both lines intersect each other. Draw a
vertical line from O to I which meets MR at N. Also join O to the points A and B
where lines PQ and ST meet the line MR. Measure ON and IN. ON is the
distance of the object from the mirror and IN is the distance of the image from the
mirror. Both will be equal.
Draw perpendiculars on A and B to prove the laws of reflection. At each
point of incidence, the angle of incidence should be equal to the angle of reflection.

Activity 10.2
To prove that a plane mirror forms the image as far behind
as the object is in front of it.
1. Take a piece of graph paper and spread it on a table.
Mark over one of the horizontal lines on this piece.
2. Put a mirror along the marked line in vertical position
with the help of modeling clay.
3. Put your pencil in front of the mirror and observe its image.
4. Now place the pencil six squares far in front of the mirror. The image in the
mirror will also be six squares behind the mirror.
5. Repeat the image formation by placing the pencil 8 squares far in front of the
mirror. How many squares behind the mirror is the image now?
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The word ‘Ambulance’ is often written laterally inverted on
the front of ambulances. Why? In fact, such writing can be
easily read by drivers ahead from their side mirrors.

A Pin-hole Camera
We know that light travels in straight lines. A device which makes use of
this fact is called a pin-hole camera. A Muslim scientist Al-Haithem invented the
pin-hole camera.
A pin-hole camera simply consists of a cardboard or a
metal box with a very small pin-hole in the middle of its one of
the faces. All inside the camera is made black so that light can
not enter the camera. A white screen is placed along the
opposite face of the pin-hole (Fig.10.8).
Image Formation by the Pin-Hole Camera
aluminium foil (silver paper)
When a brightly lit object is placed in front with small hole made with a pin
of the hole of a pin-hole camera, an inverted
image
(upside down) image of small or large size and of
same colour as that of the object is obtained on
the white screen of the camera. This image is
real as it can be made on a screen. object

We can obtain good pictures with our pin-

screen
hole camera by pasting some photographic film
instead of a white screen. Fig.10.8: A pin hole camera
Comparison of Images Formed by a Plane Mirror and a Pin-hole Camera
e A plane mirror forms a virtual image while a pin-hole camera forms a real
image.
e A plane mirror forms the image of equal size as of the object. A pin-hole
camera mostly forms enlarged or diminished images.
e The image formed by a plane mirror is upright. A pin-hole camera forms
an inverted image.

Do you An image which we can obtain on a screen is called a real image.

know? An image which we cannot obtain on a screen is called a virtual image.

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 Uses of Reflecting Surfaces mirror
Reflecting surfaces help to change the
direction of light in many optical instruments like
periscope, telescope and microscope.
Periscope
A periscope helps us to see on the other
side of the wall. We can make a periscope.
A simple periscope consists of a long tube wall
tube
which bends at right angle on both ends. A plane
mirror is fitted on either end in such a way that the
mirror makes an angle of 45° with the walls of the mirror
tube (Fig.10.9).
The top mirror reflects the light to the bottom
mirror which then reflects it to our eyes.
e Periscopes are used in submarines. People
in a submarine can watch the objects above
the water surface.
e Battle tanks are also fitted with periscopes.
Fig.10.9: A periscope
The crew inside the tank can see every thing
outside of the tank.
Reflecting Telescope Fig.10.10: A reflecting
A reflecting telescope produces telescope
images of distant objects like the moon,
stars and planets.
A plane mirror is used to reflect light
light into the reflecting telescope
(Fig.10.10).
mirror
Microscope
A microscope is used to see tiny
objects like bacteria. A lens system works
in it. However, a mirror is also used to
reflect light into the microscope, otherwise Fig.10.11:
you will be unable to view the image in it A microscope
(Fig.10.11).
mirror
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 Multiple Reflections
A kaleidoscope is an optical instrument in which we can see changing
patterns of a simple design.
A kaleidoscope is a hollow tube containing two or more rectangular plane
mirrors (Fig.10.12). The mirrors are fixed at an angle of 60° or 45°
with each other. At the far ends of the kaleidoscope are two
more plates, one made of clear glass and the other of ground
glass. The clear glass is closer to the eye hole. Small
pieces of coloured objects are placed between the
plates and are reflected in the mirrors.
The plate of ground glass throws the
reflections in different directions. It makes a beautiful
design. When the viewer turns the kaleidoscope, the
coloured pieces shift position and the reflected
patterns change. The constantly changing patterns
are formed by the multiple reflections of the loose
coloured pieces through mirrors.
Experiments have proved that the angles Fig.10.12:
between the two mirrors of a kaleidoscope affect the A kaleidoscope
number of images seen.

Activity 10.3
Draw two mutually perpendicular lines on a sheet of white paper. Draw some
design with colour pencils between these lines. Place two mirror strips vertically
on these lines with the help of modeling clay. Observe the images of the design
in one of the mirrors. The number of images seen is 3. Now change the angle
o
between the two mirrors, for example 60 . The number of images now seen is 5.
It proves that when angle between mirrors of a kaleidoscope changes, the
number of images seen is also changed.
mirror

hole Kaleidoscope
eye

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 Types of Mirrors
All the reflecting surfaces are not flat like the plane
mirror. Some are curved in shape. Mirrors are of two types, i.e.
plane mirror and curved mirror.
The plane mirror has been discussed in the early part
of this chapter. A curved mirror is a part of a curve.
Curved mirrors are of two types, i.e. concave mirror
Fig.10.13: Image
and convex mirror. in the spoon bowl
Concave Mirror
A curved mirror whose inner curved surface is reflecting is called a
concave mirror. It is like the inside of the bowl of a spoon.
Convex Mirror
A curved mirror whose outer curved surface is reflecting is called a
convex mirror. It is like the outside of the bowl of a spoon.
Uses of Mirrors
Plane, concave and convex mirrors form different images.
A plane mirror forms an upright virtual image which is
same in size as that of the object.
It is used as a looking glass. It is also used in periscopes,
telescopes and microscopes to reflect light.
A convex mirror forms an upright virtual image which is
Fig.10.14: Image
smaller in size. in a plane mirror
Convex mirrors are used as; security mirrors in shops,
car wing mirrors and blind corner mirrors on roads especially
on mountains.
A concave mirror forms a real upside down image on a
screen. It forms an upright virtual and very big image if the
object is very close to the mirror.
Concave mirrors are used as; a dentist's mirror, a cosmetic
Fig.10.15: Image
mirror , a headlight mirror, a torch and search light mirror. in a curved mirror
Point to think!
Have you ever visited Sozo Water Park, Lahore? You can observe your
amusing images in strange mirrors here. Can you explain these mirrors?

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 concave mirror
Terms Related to Curved Mirrors
A curved mirror is a part of a curve or sphere. The center of the principal axis
curve is called as the centre of curvature and is denoted by 'C'. P C P

The center of the mirror is called the pole and is denoted by 'P'.
The line joining the 'C' to 'P' is called the principal axis.
convex mirror

Image Formation in Concave and Convex Mirrors

A concave mirror can form real as well as virtual image, but a convex
mirror only forms a virtual image.
Images with a Concave Mirror
When light rays strike a concave mirror parallel to its principal axis, after
reflection they pass through a common point in
front of the mirror. This common point is called the
principal focus. It is denoted by 'F'
(Fig.10.16). A concave mirror has an original
P
principal focus 'F'. That is why it can form real principal axis C F

images on a screen.
The characteristics of an image
depend upon the distance between the object Fig.10.16: Reflection of light
and the mirror. from a concave mirror

1. If the object is beyond the principal object

focus (F), the image formed is real C F
P
and upside down. real image
concave mirror

2. If the object is very near to concave mirror

the concave mirror, the virtual
object
image
image forms behind the C
F P
mirror. It is virtual, upright
and bigger in size.

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Image With a Convex Mirror
Convex mirror always spreads light
rays. When light rays parallel to the principal
P F
axis strike a convex mirror, after reflection principal axis
they spread in such a way that they appear to
come from a point behind the mirror. This
common point is called the principal focus
‘F’ of the convex mirror (Fig.10.17). Fig.10.17: Reflection of light
from a convex mirror

A convex mirror always produces a virtual, upright and smaller

image of the object at any distance in front of it. The image is located behind
the mirror.

object
P F C

virtual image
convex mirror

Chapter Review
1. Light behaves differently when it falls on different objects.
2. Whenever light reflects, it obeys ‘Laws of Reflection’.
3. Transparent objects transmit, rough opaque objects absorb and shiny surfaces
reflect the light.
4. Smooth surfaces reflect all rays of light in a regular pattern and rough surfaces
reflect light rays in different directions.
5. A plane mirror has a smooth and flat surface to reflect the light regularly.
6. A periscope, a telescope, a microscope and a kaleidoscope are devices which
use reflection for their working.
7. We can view different designs in a kaleidoscope.
8. A curved mirror is a part of a curve. Curved mirrors are of two types: concave
mirror, convex mirror.
9. A convex mirror forms a virtual image while a concave mirror mostly forms real
images.

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 Test Preparation
1. Write proper term/word against each statement.
i. Helps see things before the sunrise and after sunset
ii. Used to see very small things
iii. A mirror that forms mostly real images
iv. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection
2. Circle the letter of the best answer.
i. When light rays bounce off from a shiny surface:
(a) reflection occurs (b) absorption occurs
(c) bending of light occurs (d) nothing happens
ii. Light reflects regularly from a surface which is:
(a) opaque and rough (b) rough
(c) black (d) smooth and shiny
iii. We can see things around us even on cloudy days due to:
(a) regular reflection of light (b) irregular absorption of light
(c) regular transmission of light (d) diffused reflection of light
iv. One statement is not correct for the plane mirror:
(a) the image formed is upright (b) the image is equal in size to the object
(c) the image is real (d) the image is laterally inverted
v. Your friend wants to see over a wall. What would you suggest him to use?
(a) telescope (b) kaleidoscope
(c) periscope (d) microscope
vi. Which device uses the fact that light travels in straight lines?
(a) telescope (b) kaleidoscope
(c) pin-hole camera (d) microscope
3. Answer the following questions in detail.
i. Define the transmission, absorption and reflection of light.
ii. Prove the laws of reflection through an activity.
iii. Draw a ray diagram for light reflected from a plane mirror.
iv. How does multiple reflection occur in a kaleidoscope?
v. Describe in detail the image formation in a concave mirror.
4. Extend your thinking.
i. Is a shiny metal plate also said to be a mirror?
ii. How does the surface of a still pond or puddle behave when light falls on it?
iii. How can a scientist see the details of the Moon?
iv. White surfaces reflect most of the light that strikes them. Why are people
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 used to wear dark coloured dresses in winter?
v. Can you obtain a virtual and upright image from a concave mirror? Draw a
ray diagram.
vi. Can a plane mirror ever produce a real image? Explain.
vii. If you look directly at a highway it looks black. If, however, you look at it at an
angle, it looks shiny. Why is it look so?

Science Projects
1 Look at the back of a shiny spoon. What kind of image do you see? How does
changing the distance between your eyes and the spoon affect what you see?
What kind of mirror does the back of the spoon represent? Now look at the front
of the spoon. What kind of mirror is the front of the spoon? What kind of image do
you see?
2 Take two 1-litre milk or juice cartons, two small square mirrors, scissor and tape.
Cut around the top of each carton and remove the roof. Cut a window in the front
at the bottom of each carton. Fix a mirror in the window of each carton at 45°
angle. Tape the open parts of both the cartons in such a way that one window
faces you and other on the opposite side. Use your periscope to see over an
obstacle or wall.
3 Take three long mirrors, tape them along the length with their coated sides
outside. Insert these mirrors in a tightly rolled cardboard tube. Cover one end of
the tube with clear plastic. Put some pieces of broken bangles, silver glitter and
coloured paper over the plastic sheet. Cover them with another layer of plastic.
Tape a circular piece of card with a hole in the centre on the other end of the tube.
Look through the hole and rotate the tube to see beautiful patterns made by
multiple reflections.

The Sun has produced energy for billions of years. Solar energy is the Sun’s light
rays that reach the Earth. This energy can be converted into other forms of energy,
such as heat and electricity. Why do you think solar energy can help us overcome
the severe problem of electricity shortage?

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