Reflection:
* What happens: Light bounces off the surface.
* Angle: The angle of incidence (the angle at which light strikes the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which light bounces off).
* Examples: Mirrors, a smooth lake reflecting the sky, shiny objects.
Refraction:
* What happens: Light bends as it passes from one medium to another (e.g., from air to water).
* Cause: The speed of light changes as it enters a different medium, causing the light path to bend.
* Angle: The angle of incidence is *not* equal to the angle of refraction. The amount of bending depends on the refractive indices of the two mediums.
* Examples: A straw appearing bent in a glass of water, a rainbow, lenses in eyeglasses and cameras.
Key differences in a nutshell:
* Reflection: Bouncing off
* Refraction: Bending through
Let me know if you'd like to explore any of these concepts in more detail!
