Light - Reflection

Light - Reflection

from Ching Viz Dictionary of Architecture

law of reflection = the principle that when light or sound is reflected from a smooth surface, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and the incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal to the surface all lie in the same plane.

angle of reflection = the angle that a reflected ray makes with a normal to a reflecting surface at the point of incidence

angle of incidence = the angle that a straight line, as a ray of light falling on a surface, makes with a normal to the surface at the point of incidence.

reflection = the return of light, sound, or radiant heat after striking a surface.

incidence = the striking of a ray of light or sound wave on a surface.

refraction = the change of direction of a ray of light as it passes obliquely from one medium into another in which its velocity is different

specular = directed from a smooth, polished surface. (like a mirror)

diffusion = a scattered reflection of light from an irregular surface or an erratic dispersion through a translucent material.

diffuse = Dispersed from an irregular surface.

Reflectance = the ration of the radiation reflected by a surface to the total incident on the surface.

absorptance = the ratio of the radiation absorbed by a surface to the total incident on the surface.

transmittance = the ratio of the radiation transmitted through and emerging from a body to the total incident on it, equivalent to one mines the absorptance.

diffraction = the modulation of light or sound waves as they bend around the edges of an obstacle in their path.

angle of refraction = the angle that a refracted ray makes with a normal to the interface between two media at the point of incidence.

Opaque = impenetrable to light

translucent = transmitting and diffusing light so that bodies on the opposite side are not clearly visible.

transparent = capable of transmitting light so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen.