The reflections on the surface of the water are inverted compared to reality due to the phenomenon of specular reflection. When light strikes the surface of the water, it is reflected at an angle equal to that of the incidence, thus creating an inverted image.
When you observe a reflection on the water, what you see is the light bouncing off the surface. The principle is simple: each ray of light comes towards the water and bounces back, somewhat like a ball bouncing on the ground. This is called reflection. The rule is clear: the ray always leaves with the same angle at which it arrived, but on the other side of the normal, an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface. As a result, your eyes capture these reflected rays and your brain constructs the image of the surroundings all around you. However, since the water functions somewhat like a horizontally placed mirror, it produces an image that is vertically inverted: what is high in reality appears low in the reflection, and vice versa.
The image is inverted because water acts like a horizontal mirror. When light leaves an object, it bounces off the water and travels to the viewer's eye at a symmetrical angle, just like when you look at your reflection in a mirror placed on the ground. This phenomenon is called the principle of reflection. As a result, what is above in reality appears below in the reflected image, and vice versa. Points that are further away from the water also seem lower in the reflection because the angle of reflection positions them further away on the surface. It's as if the water performs a little visual magic trick by rotating the scenery around an imaginary line located exactly at its surface.
Faced with an inverted image reflected in the water, your eyes simply capture the light as it is. It's your brain that takes care of the rest: it is used to objects being illuminated from above and seen from above, so it automatically interprets images as being "right-side up." Except here, trap! When it perceives a reflection on the water, it sees a world that is vertically inverted. Instead of being disturbed, it compares the reflected image to the real image seen from above, realizes it is a reflection, and accepts the inverted image without issue. Your brain therefore makes the connection on its own and instantly understands that what it sees on the water is just an inverted symmetry of reality.
When the surface of the water is perfectly calm, the reflection appears clear, almost like that of a mirror. But as soon as waves, ripples, or even a slight breeze disturb the tranquility of the water, the image immediately loses its sharpness. Each small disturbance acts like a mini mirror oriented differently, reflecting light in all directions. It is this chaotic mix that blurs the reflection, making it fuzzy or wavy. The stronger or more numerous these disturbances are, the more your reflection will be distorted and imprecise. Sometimes, it creates a lovely artistic effect; other times, you can't even recognize what you're looking at.
The famous Japanese zen gardens use reflections on the surface of a pond to create an impression of balance and harmony. This subtle play of reflections is carefully designed to relax and soothe the visitor's mind.
The reflection of the visible mountains on a calm lake is symmetrical because each ray of light bounces off the surface of the water at an angle equal to its angle of incidence.
Did you know that total internal reflection, a phenomenon observed underwater, is the principle behind the functioning of optical fibers used for modern communications?
Did you know that the warm colors of sunrise or sunset often appear intensified in reflection on a body of water? This is due to partial reflection, which enhances the contrast of the colors seen on the water.
Yes, any sufficiently smooth liquid surface can create inverted reflections, such as liquid mercury, oil, or even high-viscosity chemicals with adequate surface stability.
Suspended particles in the water (algae, sediments, dust) disrupt the path of light rays by scattering them, which significantly reduces the sharpness and contrast of the observed reflection.
The ability of a surface to reflect well depends on its smoothness and regularity. Very smooth surfaces like calm water or polished glass effectively reflect light in specific directions, while rough surfaces diffuse light in various directions.
A portion of the light is absorbed by the water, and another is diffused by the surface, which reduces the light intensity of the reflection, making it appear visibly darker than the original object.
When the water is calm, its surface acts like a regular mirror where light rays are reflected in a uniform direction. When it is turbulent, the disturbances scatter the rays in multiple directions, thus blurring the image.
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