Retro-reflector
A retro-reflector is like a mirror that bounces light back where it came from. Do you know how when you look in a regular mirror, you can see yourself in it? Well, a retro-reflector is a special kind of mirror that reflects light back to the exact same spot it came from.
This happens because the retro-reflector has three sides that are all lined with reflective material. When light hits one of the sides, it bounces off and goes to another side, where it bounces off again and goes to the third side, where it bounces off for a third time and goes back in the same direction it came from. It's like playing bumper cars with light!
Retro-reflectors are very useful in things like bike helmets, road signs, and clothing. When a car's headlights shine on them, they reflect the light back to the driver, making the object much easier to see. So, it helps with safety and can prevent accidents.
This happens because the retro-reflector has three sides that are all lined with reflective material. When light hits one of the sides, it bounces off and goes to another side, where it bounces off again and goes to the third side, where it bounces off for a third time and goes back in the same direction it came from. It's like playing bumper cars with light!
Retro-reflectors are very useful in things like bike helmets, road signs, and clothing. When a car's headlights shine on them, they reflect the light back to the driver, making the object much easier to see. So, it helps with safety and can prevent accidents.
Related topics others have asked about: