Reflection from Surfaces: Feynman's Physics Explained
The laws of reflection and refraction can be derived straight from Maxwell's equations by matching the fields at the boundary between two materials. This is more powerful than the least-time principle because it also gives the amount of light reflected and transmitted, not just the directions. It even works for metals, where the refractive index is a complex number, and explains why good absorbers of light tend to be good reflectors too.
The big idea
Maxwell's equations predict not just where light bends, but how much reflects.
Think about it
Why does a calm lake act like a mirror at a shallow angle but look clear when you stare straight down?
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