Plane mirrors are flat, smooth surfaces that reflect light in a predictable way. When light rays hit a plane mirror, they bounce off at the same angle they hit the mirror.
Imagine a selfie taken with your phone. The screen acts like a plane mirror, reflecting your image back to you exactly as you see it.
Reflection: The bouncing back of light when it hits a surface.
Incident Ray: The incoming ray of light that strikes a surface.
Normal Line: An imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point where the incident ray strikes.
© 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.