Reflection vs. Deflection — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
Reflection refers to the bouncing back of waves from a surface, while deflection denotes a change in direction or turning aside from a straight course.
Difference Between Reflection and Deflection
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Reflection and deflection are concepts that, while often used in physics and engineering, denote distinct phenomena. Reflection primarily concerns the rebounding or bouncing back of light, sound, or other waves when they encounter a barrier. For example, when light hits a mirror, it reflects back, giving us an image. This principle underpins various technologies, from periscopes to certain solar energy systems.
Deflection, on the other hand, refers to the deviation or turning aside of an object from its straight-line course due to an external force applied to it. This term is frequently used in the context of structures or materials, particularly when discussing their strength and how they respond under load. For instance, a beam supporting a weight will exhibit deflection, bending slightly under the force.
While both reflection and deflection involve changes in direction, their causes and contexts of use differ. Reflection often arises due to inherent properties of surfaces or boundaries, dictating how waves interact with them. For example, smooth surfaces like mirrors facilitate specular reflection, where waves bounce off uniformly.
Conversely, deflection is the result of external forces or pressures causing materials or objects to deviate from their original positions or trajectories. It's a crucial consideration in engineering, where understanding how materials deflect under various conditions can influence design and safety measures.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Bouncing back of waves from a surface
Change in direction from a straight course
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Common Context
Light, sound, and other waves
Structural engineering, materials under load
Cause
Properties of surfaces or boundaries
External forces or pressures
Examples
Mirrors, reflective surfaces
Beams under load, bent objects
Related Phenomena
Refraction, transmission
Deformation, strain
Compare with Definitions
Reflection
Consideration or careful thought about something.
His actions were a reflection of his character.
Deflection
The amount by which a structure bends under pressure.
The engineer measured the beam's deflection under the weight.
Reflection
A manifestation or representation.
The city's beauty is a reflection of its rich history.
Deflection
A deviation from an intended course.
His sudden deflection from the topic raised eyebrows.
Reflection
An image seen in a mirror or shiny surface.
The water's calm surface gave a perfect reflection of the sky.
Deflection
Turning aside from a straight path.
The car's deflection saved the pedestrian.
Reflection
The return of light or sound waves from a surface.
The canyon amplified the echo due to the reflection of sound.
Deflection
A change in direction or course.
The soccer ball's deflection off the player led to an unexpected goal.
Reflection
The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Deflection
A measure of deformation in response to an applied force.
The material's deflection was within acceptable limits.
Reflection
Something, such as light, radiant heat, sound, or an image, that is reflected.
Deflection
The act of deflecting or the condition of being deflected.
Reflection
Serious thinking or careful consideration
Engaged in reflection on the problem.
Deflection
(Sports) A shot or pass that is sent without stopping in a different direction by a second offensive player.
Reflection
A thought or an opinion resulting from such thinking or consideration
Wrote down her reflections.
Deflection
Deviation or a specified amount of deviation.
Reflection
An indirect expression of censure or discredit
A reflection on his integrity.
Deflection
The deviation of an indicator of a measuring instrument from zero or from its normal position.
Reflection
A manifestation or result
Her achievements are a reflection of her courage.
Deflection
The movement of a structure or structural part as a result of stress.
Reflection
The folding of a membrane from the wall of a cavity over an organ and back to the wall.
Deflection
The act of deflecting or something deflected.
Russell's goalbound shot took a deflection off a defender and went out for a corner.
Reflection
The folds so made.
Deflection
The deviation of a needle or other indicator from its previous position.
Reflection
The act of reflecting or the state of being reflected.
Deflection
The act of turning aside, or state of being turned aside; a turning from a right line or proper course; a bending, esp. downward; deviation.
The other leads to the same point, through certain deflections.
Reflection
The property of a propagated wave being thrown back from a surface (such as a mirror).
Deflection
The deviation of a shot or ball from its true course.
Reflection
Something, such as an image, that is reflected.
The dog barked at his own reflection in the mirror.
Deflection
A deviation of the rays of light toward the surface of an opaque body; inflection; diffraction.
Reflection
Careful thought or consideration.
After careful reflection, I have decided not to vote for that proposition.
Deflection
The bending which a beam or girder undergoes from its own weight or by reason of a load.
Reflection
An implied criticism.
It is a reflection on his character that he never came back to see them.
Deflection
A twist or aberration; especially a perverse or abnormal way of judging or acting
Reflection
(computing) The process or mechanism of determining the capabilities of an object at run-time.
Deflection
The amount by which a propagating wave is bent
Reflection
(anatomy) The folding of a part; a fold.
Deflection
The movement of the pointer or pen of a measuring instrument from its zero position
Reflection
The act of reflecting, or turning or sending back, or the state of being reflected.
The eye sees not itself,But by reflection, by some other things.
Deflection
The property of being bent or deflected
Reflection
The reverting of the mind to that which has already occupied it; continued consideration; meditation; contemplation; hence, also, that operation or power of the mind by which it is conscious of its own acts or states; the capacity for judging rationally, especially in view of a moral rule or standard.
By reflection, . . . I would be understood to mean, that notice which the mind takes of its own operations, and the manner of them, by reason whereof there come to be ideas of these operations in the understanding.
This delight grows and improves under thought and reflection.
Deflection
A turning aside (of your course or attention or concern);
A diversion from the main highway
A digression into irrelevant details
A deflection from his goal
Reflection
Shining; brightness, as of the sun.
Reflection
That which is produced by reflection.
As the sun water we can bear,Yet not the sun, but his reflection, there.
Reflection
A part reflected, or turned back, at an angle; as, the reflection of a membrane.
Job's reflections on his once flourishing estate did at the same time afflict and encourage him.
Reflection
Censure; reproach cast.
He died; and oh! may no reflection shedIts poisonous venom on the royal dead.
Reflection
The transference of an excitement from one nerve fiber to another by means of the nerve cells, as in reflex action. See Reflex action, under Reflex.
Reflection
A calm lengthy intent consideration
Reflection
The phenomenon of a propagating wave (light or sound) being thrown back from a surface
Reflection
Expression without words;
Tears are an expression of grief
The pulse is a reflection of the heart's condition
Reflection
The image of something as reflected by a mirror (or other reflective material);
He studied his reflection in the mirror
Reflection
A likeness in which left and right are reversed
Reflection
(mathematics) a transformation in which the direction of one axis is reversed
Reflection
A remark expressing careful consideration
Reflection
The ability to reflect beams or rays
Reflection
The bouncing back of a wave from a surface.
The mirror provided a clear reflection of her face.
Common Curiosities
Why do mirrors give a clear reflection?
Mirrors have a smooth surface that facilitates specular reflection.
Is deflection always undesirable in structures?
No, some deflection is expected, but excessive deflection can be problematic.
Does reflection only relate to light?
No, reflection can pertain to any wave, including sound.
What causes the deflection of a beam?
External loads, like weight or pressure, cause deflection.
Is deflection only a physical phenomenon?
Primarily, but it can also metaphorically refer to deviation from a norm or intent.
What's the difference between reflection and refraction?
Reflection is bouncing back, while refraction is the bending of waves as they pass between mediums.
How do engineers minimize unwanted deflection?
They use materials and designs that distribute loads effectively.
Does reflection always give an exact replica?
Not always; the quality of reflection depends on the surface and wave properties.
How is reflection used in technology?
Reflection is used in devices like telescopes, cameras, and solar collectors.
Can reflection occur in liquids?
Yes, calm water bodies can reflect light, creating mirror-like images.
What factors influence deflection?
Material properties, load magnitude, and load distribution affect deflection.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
