Consider the following statements about the reflection of light: 1. A mirror changes the direction of light that falls on it. 2. A polished surface absorbs all light falling on it. 3. Light travels in curved lines when reflected. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (a). Explanation Reflection of light is the phenomenon where light waves change direction upon striking a surface. This process is governed by the laws of reflection and the fundamental property of the rectilinear propagation of light. - Statement 1 is Correct: A mirror is a polished surface specifically designed to reflect light. When a light ray strikes a mirror, it bounces off the surface, resulting in a change in the direction of the light. - Statement 2 is Incorrect: A polished surface reflects most of the light falling on it rather than absorbing it. Absorption is characteristic of dark or opaque surfaces; a surface that absorbs all light would appear perfectly black. Mirrors are highly reflective, not absorptive. - Statement 3 is Incorrect: Light travels in straight lines, a property known as rectilinear propagation. While reflection changes the direction of the light path, the light rays themselves remain straight before and after striking the surface. They do not curve. Key Takeaway: Mirrors reflect light by changing its direction, but the propagation of light remains rectilinear (in straight lines).

Consider the following statements about the reflection of… - NCERT Class 8 Science MCQ

NCERT Class 8 Science — Chapter 4: Light

mcqeasy

Consider the following statements about the reflection of light:

A mirror changes the direction of light that falls on it.
A polished surface absorbs all light falling on it.
Light travels in curved lines when reflected.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

NCERT textbook question

From NCERT Science - class 8 · Page 166

Options

A1 only
B2 only
C1 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (a).

Explanation

Reflection of light is the phenomenon where light waves change direction upon striking a surface. This process is governed by the laws of reflection and the fundamental property of the rectilinear propagation of light.

Statement 1 is Correct: A mirror is a polished surface specifically designed to reflect light. When a light ray strikes a mirror, it bounces off the surface, resulting in a change in the direction of the light.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: A polished surface reflects most of the light falling on it rather than absorbing it. Absorption is characteristic of dark or opaque surfaces; a surface that absorbs all light would appear perfectly black. Mirrors are highly reflective, not absorptive.
Statement 3 is Incorrect: Light travels in straight lines, a property known as rectilinear propagation. While reflection changes the direction of the light path, the light rays themselves remain straight before and after striking the surface. They do not curve.

Key Takeaway: Mirrors reflect light by changing its direction, but the propagation of light remains rectilinear (in straight lines).

Your note

More from Chapter 4: Light

With reference to the Periscope, consider the following statements: 1. It works on the principle of multiple reflections. 2. It uses two plane mirrors arranged at right angles to each other. 3. It allows viewing of objects that are not directly in the line of sight. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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With reference to image formation by a plane mirror, consider the following statements: 1. The image formed cannot be obtained on a screen. 2. The image appears at a greater distance behind the mirror than the object is in front. 3. The image undergoes lateral inversion. Which of the statements given above are correct?

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Consider the following statements about the image formed by a plane mirror: 1. It is inverted vertically. 2. It is of the same size as the object. 3. It appears to be at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

In the context of the reflection of light, what does the term 'angle of incidence' refer to?

easy

With reference to the eye's ability to see, consider the following statements: 1. A normal eye can clearly see distant objects as well as objects nearby. 2. The minimum distance for distinct vision is constant at 50 cm for all ages. 3. In old age, eyesight may become foggy due to the eye lens becoming cloudy. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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