sience project

why does light bounce off objects ?

here are some demonstrations

why does reflection happen?

mirror

paper

Mirrors reflect mainly because they are electrically conductive. Light is an electromagnetic field, and when it hits a mirror the metal inside of it (usually aluminum or silver) cancels out the electric field parallel to the mirror which causes it to change directions and reflect away. Not all reflective mirrors are conductive though - a certain percentage of light will reflect wherever there is a change between two types of materials like air and water, because the electric field changes as it goes though different materials some of the light will get reflected while the rest will pass though or be absorbed.