Animation: Law of reflection

The animation shows the geometric relationships between the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection of a reflected beam of light. You can move the spotlight interactively with the mouse. You can change the shape of the medium or mirror using the grey circles.

Note on use

After starting the application, you can view the animation in full-screen mode. To do this, click on “View” and then on “Full screen”:

To exit full screen mode, press the Esc key.

Description of the animation

The animation shows a spotlight illuminating a surface. The shape of the surface, the position of the spotlight and the orientation of the spotlight can be changed. Depending on the angle of incidence, the light beam is reflected differently (true to the law “angle of incidence equals angle of reflection”).

The shape of the surface can be changed interactively and continuously using the mouse. This means that in addition to a straight surface, different curved and wave-shaped surfaces can also be displayed. The light source is represented by a spotlight. The position of the light source and the target point of the light beams can be moved interactively with the mouse. Simply click on the corresponding points.

Overview and download

TitleLaw of reflection
Target groupTeachers and lecturers
PlatformsMicrosoft® Windows®
Apple® Macintosh®
FeaturesFull screen mode
lossless magnification
Large screens and projection screens supported
LicenceFreeware
DownloadMicrosoft® Windows® (virus-checked)
Apple® Macintosh® (virus-checked)


Note: In the Chrome browser, it is necessary to click on the link with the right mouse button and then select “Save link as”.

Instructional idea

The scenario shown is presented as an experimental set-up as standard. The animation enables lessons to be based on it, in which the geometric relationships are taught.

Version history

DateChanges
2014-06-01First version
2024-01-27New player application and minor corrections

Source information

Authoring tool: Adobe Animate

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