Reflection (physics)
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Reflection is the change in direction of a wavefront at an interface between two different media so that the wavefront returns into the medium from which it originated. Common examples include the reflection of light, sound and water waves. The law of reflection says that for specular reflection the angle at which the wave is incident on the surface equals the angle at which it is reflected.
The reflection of Mount Hood in Mirror Lake
An example of the law of reflection
Sound diffusion panel for high frequencies
Refractive index
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In optics, the refractive index of an optical medium is a dimensionless number that gives the indication of the light bending ability of that medium.
Diamonds have a very high refractive index of 2.417.
A split-ring resonator array arranged to produce a negative index of refraction for microwaves
In optical mineralogy, thin sections are used to study rocks. The method is based on the distinct refractive indices of different minerals.