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Specular Reflection

Definition

Specular reflection refers to the reflection of light off a smooth surface, where the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Analogy

Imagine standing in front of a mirror and seeing your own reflection. The mirror reflects your image back at you without distorting it, just like specular reflection.

Related terms

Diffuse Reflection: Diffuse reflection occurs when light reflects off a rough or uneven surface, scattering in different directions.

Incident Ray: An incident ray is the incoming ray of light that strikes a surface or boundary.

Reflected Ray: A reflected ray is the ray of light that bounces off a surface after striking it.

"Specular Reflection" appears in:

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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.