Question

The phenomena involved in the reflection of radio waves by ionosphere is similar to or not as the reflection of light by a plane mirror.

Answer 1

As we know, when radio waves travel up in the atmosphere, they undergo multiple refractions away from the normal as the optical density of air keeps on reducing (in general). At the ionosphere, they reach the critical angle. Then, the phenomenon is known as total internal reflection.

Now, when the radio waves travel downwards and undergoes multiple refractions, the radio wave again and again moves towards the normal as the optical density of air increases as it goes towards the earth.

Reflection by a mirror doesn't involve multiple refractions. Moreover, pure reflection is achieved by blocking the path of refracted ray (polished glass) rather than by light being incident at more than critical angle.

Hence, the phenomenon of reflection of radio waves is not similar to the reflection by plane mirror.

Final Answer: No.