Measuring reflected light: plan
I can plan an investigation to see how changing the angle of a mirror affects the angle of reflected light.
Measuring reflected light: plan
I can plan an investigation to see how changing the angle of a mirror affects the angle of reflected light.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.
- A protractor is a piece of equipment used to measure and draw angles.
- When we measure the angle of light hitting a surface, we measure the angle between that light and the normal line.
- The normal line is an imaginary line that is at a right angle to the surface.
Common misconception
To measure the angle where light hits a surface, measure in between the beam of light and the surface.
The lesson gives children an opportunity to explore a new concept: the normal line. They should become familiar with measuring between the beam of light and the normal line drawn at a right angle to the surface.
Keywords
Reflected - If light is reflected it is bounced off a surface.
Angle - An angle is the space between two straight lines which join at a vertex or point.
Protractor - A protractor is a piece of equipment used to measure and draw angles.
Patterns - Scientists look for patterns in data to answer their questions.
Normal line - The normal line is an imaginary line that is at a right angle to a surface on which light is reflected.
Equipment
Protractors, mirrors, torches.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a physical or computer representation of a scientific idea or fact.
a drawn or printed representation of a scientific idea or fact.
an explanation for why things work or how things happen.
Exit quiz
6 Questions
length
light intensity (brightness)
angle
time
