Which picture shows how a mirror reflects light?
As an AI language model, I do not have access to any pictures. However, a diagram or an image showing that light bounces off a mirror when it hits it at an angle would demonstrate how a mirror reflects light.
To understand how a mirror reflects light, we can use a step-by-step explanation. Unfortunately, as a text-based AI model, I am unable to provide visual images. However, I can describe the process to you in words. Here is a step-by-step description of how a mirror reflects light:
1. Light is an electromagnetic wave consisting of vibrating electric and magnetic fields.
2. When light approaches a mirror, the mirror's surface is made up of many tiny particles or atoms.
3. The electric field of the incoming light wave interacts with the electrons in the mirror's atoms.
4. The interaction between the electric field and electrons causes the electrons to vibrate.
5. As the electrons vibrate, they absorb the energy from the incoming light wave.
6. Almost immediately, the energized electrons re-emit the absorbed energy in the form of a new, outgoing light wave.
7. The new light wave has the same frequency as the incoming wave, which determines its color, and it also has the same speed.
8. The angle at which the incoming light strikes the mirror's surface is called the angle of incidence.
9. According to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
10. Therefore, the new light wave reflects off the mirror's surface at the same angle as it approached.
11. The reflected light wave carries all the information about the original light wave, including its color and intensity.
12. When this reflected light wave reaches our eyes, we perceive it as the reflection of an object in the mirror.
I apologize for not being able to show you a picture directly, but I hope this step-by-step description helps you understand how a mirror reflects light.