NCERT Solutions Curiosity Chapter 11 .5 Reflection of Light — Activity 11.6: Let us experiment
Book page 16011 Updated on2026-09-05
Q1.
Now, place the mirror in the path of the light beam while keeping the comb steady (Fig. 11.9b). What do you observe?
Answer
The thin beam that was running straight along the paper bends away at the mirror and travels off in a new direction. Two straight beams are now seen on the paper — the one going to the mirror and the one coming away from it — meeting at the point where the mirror stands.
The beam from the slit strikes the mirror and leaves it along a new straight path. The reflection happens only at the mirror.
Why it happens: The path of the light beam is changed after falling on the mirror — this is the reflection of light. Notice that the beam is straight before the mirror and straight after it; the mirror only turns it, it does not curve it.
Tip: Keep the comb steady and turn only the mirror. You will see the reflected beam sweep across the paper — the same effect you saw with sunlight on the wall in Activity 11.5.