The amount (percent) of light that is reflected by a surface relative to the amount that strikes it.
Reflective
A material that bounces back light, such as a mirror.
Reflective coatings
Materials with various qualities that are applied to glass windows before installation. These coatings reduce radiant heat transfer through the window and also reflects outside heat and a portion of the incoming solar energy, thus reducing heat gain. The most common type has a sputtered coating on the inside of a window unit. The other type is a durable "hard-coat" glass with a coating, baked into the glass surface.
Reflective glass
A window glass that has been coated with a reflective film and is useful in controlling solar heat gain during the summer.
Reflective insulation
An aluminum foil fabricated insulator with backings applied to provide a series of closed air spaces with highly reflective surfaces.
Reflective window films
A material applied to window panes that controls heat gain and loss, reduces glare, minimizes fabric fading, and provides privacy. These films are retrofitted on existing windows.
Reflector lamp
An incandescent, compact fluorescent or hid lamp with a built-in reflecting surface. Incandescent and hid versions are made from a single piece of blow-molded soft or hard glass. Cfl versions may be one piece or may be designed so that the inner lamp can be replaced.
Reformation
Correction of a contractual error that did not reflect the intent of both parties to the deal. Fault needs to extend to both parties unless the error of one person was due to fraud by the other.
Refraction
The bending of light. For example, light is refracted as it passes through water.
