Reflection

This interactive simulator explores Reflection in Optics & Light. Flat, concave, and convex mirrors with auto-drawn ray diagrams. Use the controls to change the scenario; watch the visualization and any graphs or readouts to connect the model with lectures, labs, and homework.

Who it's for: Suited to beginners and first exposure to the topic. Typical context: Optics & Light.

Key terms

  • reflection
  • optics
  • light

How it works

Geometric reflection: angle of incidence equals angle of reflection (measured from the surface normal). Plane mirrors give a left–right reversed virtual image. Concave and convex spherical mirrors are drawn with paraxial principal rays and focal point F at half the radius of curvature.

Key equations

θᵢ = θᵣ   (specular reflection)
Spherical mirror: f = R / 2