Reflecting light from mirrors

Science

In the Making images unit, they will build on this knowledge to learn that white light is made of different colours that can be detected by the eye, and how pinhole cameras and lenses form clear images.

In the Light and how it travels (Y6) unit, pupils learnt that light travels in straight lines, which explains why shadows have the same shape as the objects that cast them, and objects are seen by the light that reflects back into the eye or travels directly into it from a light source.

This unit explores sound and light waves, including frequencies, echoes, reflection, absorption, and the need for a medium for sound to travel. It also compares light and matter waves, investigates light transmission and colour, and examines wave properties and effects.

Sound, light and vision

Physical activity and equipment requiring safe use

An imaginary line drawn at 90° to the point of reflection at a mirror.

An arrow showing the direction of light before it hits a mirror.

An arrow showing the direction of light after it hits a mirror.

Match the following key terms to their definitions.

The diagrams show a light ray reflecting from a mirror. In which diagram is the angle of incidence marked?

angle of reflection + angle of incidence = 90° 

angle of reflection + angle of incidence = 180°

Which of the following is the first law of reflection?

The incident ray and the reflected ray are on the same side of the normal.

The incident ray and the reflected ray are on opposite sides of the normal.

The incident ray, reflected ray and normal are on one plane (flat surface). 

The incident ray, reflected ray and normal are on different planes.

Which of the following are the second and third laws of reflection?

A pupil investigates reflection of light by a mirror. They decrease the angle of incidence. Which of the following describes what happens to the angle of reflection?

The mirror may not be exactly aligned with the mirror line on the diagram.

The surface of the mirror may not be flat.

A sharp pencil line is difficult to see under a protractor.

A protractor measures to the nearest degree.

Rays of light from a ray lamp are wider than a sharp pencil line.

Why is it unlikely that measurements of the angle of reflection are exactly equal to the angle of incidence?

Which of the following images correctly shows light rays coming from a lamp?

Which of the following units are angles measured in?

Which of the following pieces of equipment is used to measure angles?

What is the size of the marked angle between the two lines in the image?

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

Adult supervision required

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Reflecting light from mirrors

Lesson outcome

Content guidance

This lesson will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.