What is the difference between reflection and refraction?


The Differences between reflection and refraction are:


S.No.  ReflectionRefraction
1. 

It is the change in direction of a wave at a boundary between two different media so that the wave moves back into the medium it came from. 

It is the bending of light or sound waves or the way the light bends when entering the eye to form an image on the retina. 

2.

Here light ray bounces back after it hits a surface.

Here a light ray bends after travelling from one medium to another medium.

3.

It is of two types.

(i) Regular reflection

(ii) Diffused reflection

It is of a single type.

4.

No change in medium is necessary to change the direction of the light ray.

Here a medium change is necessary to change the direction of light.

5.

Here the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are the same.

Here the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are different.

6.

Here the medium of propagation is the same. (Air-Air)

Here the medium of propagation is different. (Air-Water, Glass slab-Air)

7.

Example- Looking in the water and in a mirror, you will see your image due to reflection.

Example- Bending of the sun's rays as they enter raindrops, forming a rainbow.

Updated on: 10-Oct-2022

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