👉 Mirrors, at their core, are reflective surfaces designed to manipulate light particles, which we understand as photons, to bounce back from their surface. These light particles, or photons, carry energy and momentum, and when they encounter a mirror, they interact with the material's electrons at the atomic level. This interaction causes the electrons to oscillate, generating a secondary electromagnetic field that reflects the incoming light. The angle at which light strikes the mirror is governed by the law of reflection, meaning that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. This process allows mirrors to redirect light, making them essential in various applications, from everyday objects like bathroom mirrors to complex scientific instruments like telescopes and lasers. The reflective properties of mirrors can vary depending on their material and coating, affecting how they interact with different wavelengths of light, such as visible light, infrared, or ultraviolet.
