Last Updated: 6 May 2026Verified for JEE 2027
PhysicsJEE & NEET
Difference Between Reflection and Refraction
Reflection and refraction are two fundamental behaviors of light at boundaries between media. Reflection bounces light back, while refraction bends light as it passes through.
Reflection vs Refraction — Comparison Table
| Aspect | Reflection | Refraction |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Bouncing back of light from a surface | Bending of light when entering a different medium |
| Medium | Light stays in same medium | Light enters a different medium |
| Angle law | Angle of incidence = Angle of reflection | n₁sinθ₁ = n₂sinθ₂ (Snell's law) |
| Speed | Speed unchanged | Speed changes with medium |
| Wavelength | Unchanged | Changes with medium |
| Example | Mirror | Lens, prism, diamond sparkle |
Key Points to Remember
Total Internal Reflection occurs when light goes from denser to rarer medium at angle > critical angle
Mirrors use reflection; lenses use refraction
Refraction explains why a stick appears bent in water
Optical fibers work on Total Internal Reflection
Exam Relevance
This topic falls under Optics in Physics for both JEE and NEET. Questions on the difference between reflection and refraction appear frequently in competitive exams, both as direct MCQs and as part of numerical/assertion-reason problems.
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