Reflection vs. Refraction — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface, while Refraction is the bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
Difference Between Reflection and Refraction
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reflection and Refraction are fundamental concepts in the study of optics and light. Reflection pertains to the phenomenon where light rays bounce back upon hitting a surface. Mirrors, for instance, use Reflection to produce images. On the other hand, Refraction relates to the change in direction that light undergoes when transitioning between different mediums, like air to water.
When you gaze at your face in a mirror, the image you see results from Reflection. The surface of the mirror doesn't let the light rays pass through but instead bounces them back to your eyes. In contrast, Refraction is evident when you stick a pencil in a water-filled glass. The pencil seems broken or bent due to the change in the light's speed between the air and water.
Reflection always involves two media, typically air and the reflecting surface, with the angle of incident light equaling the angle of reflected light. Meanwhile, Refraction involves a transition, as light speeds up or slows down, changing its direction when moving between different media. This change in speed is due to the varying densities of the media involved.
An interesting aspect of Reflection is that it's responsible for many optical illusions and phenomena, such as echoes in sound waves. Refraction, on its part, is crucial for the operation of optical devices like lenses, enabling the bending of light to focus or disperse rays, forming clear images.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Bouncing back of light from a surface
Bending of light passing from one medium to another
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Involved Media
Typically two: air and the reflecting surface
At least two: mediums the light passes between
Speed of Light
Remains constant in a single medium
Changes due to different medium densities
Examples
Mirror images
Pencil appearing bent in water
Practical Applications
Mirrors, telescopes
Lenses, prisms, optical devices
Compare with Definitions
Reflection
An indication or representation of something.
His generosity is a Reflection of his kind nature.
Refraction
The bending of light as it passes from one medium to another.
Refraction caused the straw to look bent in the glass of water.
Reflection
The return of light or sound waves from a surface.
The lake's calm water provided a perfect Reflection of the mountains.
Refraction
The change in direction of a wave due to a change in speed.
Refraction of sound waves can sometimes make distant noises seem closer.
Reflection
A consequence or result of something.
The team's performance is a direct Reflection of their training.
Refraction
The effect on a wavefront crossing between mediums.
Refraction is why stars twinkle when their light passes through the Earth's atmosphere.
Reflection
The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Refraction
A deviation from directness in discourse or behavior.
His storytelling is filled with Refraction, giving multiple perspectives on an event.
Reflection
Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
Refraction
Measuring the bending of light in diagnosing vision issues.
An eye test for Refraction determined her need for glasses.
Reflection
Serious thinking or careful consideration
Engaged in reflection on the problem.
Refraction
In physics, refraction is the change in direction of a wave passing from one medium to another or from a gradual change in the medium. Refraction of light is the most commonly observed phenomenon, but other waves such as sound waves and water waves also experience refraction.
Reflection
A thought or an opinion resulting from such thinking or consideration
Wrote down her reflections.
Refraction
The deflection of a wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes obliquely from one medium into another having a different index of refraction.
Reflection
An indirect expression of censure or discredit
A reflection on his integrity.
Refraction
(Astronomy) The apparent change in position of a celestial object caused by the bending of light rays as they enter Earth's atmosphere.
Reflection
A manifestation or result
Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.
Refraction
The ability of the eye to bend light so that an image is focused on the retina.
Reflection
The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.
Refraction
Determination of this ability in an eye.
Reflection
The folds so made.
Refraction
(physics) The turning or bending of any wave, such as a light or sound wave, when it passes from one medium into another of different optical density.
Reflection
The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Refraction
(metallurgy) The degree to which a metal or compound can withstand heat
Reflection
The property of a propagated wave being thrown back from a surface (such as a mirror).
Refraction
The act of refracting, or the state of being refracted.
Reflection
Something, such as an image, that is reflected.
The dog barked at his own reflection in the mirror.
Refraction
The change in the direction of ray of light, heat, or the like, when it enters obliquely a medium of a different density from that through which it has previously moved.
Refraction out of the rarer medium into the denser, is made towards the perpendicular.
Reflection
Careful thought or consideration.
After careful reflection, I have decided not to vote for that proposition.
Refraction
The change in the direction of a ray of light, and, consequently, in the apparent position of a heavenly body from which it emanates, arising from its passage through the earth's atmosphere; - hence distinguished as atmospheric refraction, or astronomical refraction.
Reflection
An implied criticism.
It is a reflection on his character that he never came back to see them.
Refraction
The change in direction of a propagating wave (light or sound) when passing from one medium to another
Reflection
(computing) The process or mechanism of determining the capabilities of an object at run-time.
Refraction
The amount by which a propagating wave is bent
Reflection
(anatomy) The folding of a part; a fold.
Reflection
The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the state of being reflected.
The eye sees not itself,But by reflection, by some other things.
Reflection
The reverting of the mind to that which has already occupied it; continued consideration; meditation; contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of the mind by which it is conscious of its own acts or states; the capacity for judging rationally, especially in view of a moral rule or standard.
By reflection, . . . I would be understood to mean, that notice which the mind takes of its own operations, and the manner of them, by reason whereof there come to be ideas of these operations in the understanding.
This delight grows and improves under thought and reflection.
Reflection
Shining; brightness, as of the sun.
Reflection
That which is produced by reflection.
As the sun water we can bear,Yet not the sun, but his reflection, there.
Reflection
A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the reflection of a membrane.
Job's reflections on his once flourishing estate did at the same time afflict and encourage him.
Reflection
Censure; reproach cast.
He died; and oh! may no reflection shedIts poisonous venom on the royal dead.
Reflection
The transference of an excitement from one nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve cells, as in reflex action. See Reflex action, under Reflex.
Reflection
A calm lengthy intent consideration
Reflection
The phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
Reflection
Expression without words;
Tears are an expression of grief
The pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition
Reflection
The image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material);
He studied his reflection in the mirror
Reflection
A likeness in which left and right are reversed
Reflection
(mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed
Reflection
A remark expressing careful consideration
Reflection
The ability to reflect beams or rays
Reflection
Careful thought or meditation.
Her diary was a Reflection of her innermost thoughts.
Reflection
An image produced by light falling on a surface.
The mirror gave a clear Reflection of his face.
Common Curiosities
What is the surface called that causes Reflection?
It's called a reflective surface.
Can Refraction change the color of light?
Yes, Refraction can split white light into its constituent colors, like in a rainbow.
Which phenomenon occurs with mirrors, Reflection or Refraction?
Mirrors primarily involve Reflection.
Is the angle of incidence equal to the angle of Reflection?
Yes, in Reflection, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
Which lens uses Refraction to converge light, concave or convex?
A convex lens uses Refraction to converge light.
Why do objects look bent in water?
Due to Refraction of light when it moves from air to water.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
