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Plane Mirrors

Definition

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.

Analogy

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.

Related terms

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.

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© 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.