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3.7 | |
Radio Wave Propagation | |
| 3.7.3 | |
Reflection |
| Reflection is the light bouncing back in
the general direction from which it came. Consider a smooth metallic
surface as an interface. As waves hit this surface, much of their energy
will be bounced or reflected. Think of common experiences, such as
looking at a mirror or watching sunlight reflect off a metallic surface
or water. When waves travel from one medium to another, a certain
percentage of the light is reflected. This is called a Fresnel
reflection.
Radio waves also reflect when entering different media. The law of reflection can describe these reflections. Radio waves can bounce off of different layers of the atmosphere. The reflecting properties of the area where the WLAN is to be installed are extremely important and can determine whether a WLAN works or fails. Furthermore, the connectors at both ends of the transmission line going to the antenna should be properly designed and installed, so that no reflection of radio waves takes place. If the line and connectors are not properly matched, some energy will be thrown back as an echo and will constitute a loss in power from the system. Use the activity to calculate and graphically display the angle of reflection for different angles of incidence and different materials. Interactive Activity: Law of Reflection This activity animates how angles affect reflection.
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