Science·Waves, Light & Sound·representational
Drawing Ray Diagrams
Draw ray diagrams to show reflection at a plane mirror (angle of incidence = angle of reflection) and refraction at a boundary between media; use ray diagrams to locate images and explain how lenses and mirrors work
Suggested ages 12–13
Evidence of understanding
- Draw a ray diagram for a plane mirror showing the incident ray, normal, reflected ray, and virtual image
- Draw a ray diagram showing a ray bending towards the normal when passing from air into glass
- Use a ray diagram to locate the image formed by a convex lens and describe whether it is real or virtual
Assessment prompt
Can Drawing Ray Diagrams draw a diagram showing how a ray of light bounces off a mirror or bends when it passes from air into glass — labelling the angles correctly?
Standards alignment
No external standards are linked to this topic.