The angle of reflection refers to the angle formed between an outgoing ray or reflected wave and a line perpendicular to a reflecting surface. It represents how light bounces off or reflects from a surface.
Angle of incidence: The angle of incidence is equal to the angle formed by an incoming ray before it hits a reflecting surface.
Law of Reflection: The law states that when light reflects off a smooth surface, such as glass or water, it follows specific rules - namely, that 'the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal all lie on one plane, and the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.'
Reflecting surface: A reflecting surface is any smooth surface that can bounce back or reflect light, such as a mirror or polished metal.
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.