Reflection
Definition
Reflection is the bouncing back of light rays from a surface when they encounter it. It follows the law of reflection which states that the angle at which an incoming ray strikes a surface is equal to the angle at which the reflected ray leaves the surface.
Related terms
Incident Ray: The incident ray is the incoming ray of light that strikes a surface.
Reflected Ray: The reflected ray is the ray of light that bounces off a surface after reflection.
Normal Line: The normal line is an imaginary line perpendicular to the reflecting surface, used to measure angles of incidence and reflection.
"Reflection" appears in:
Subjects (2)
AP European History
AP Psychology
Additional resources (2)
AP Physics 2 - 2022 AP Physics 2 Exam Guide
AP Physics 2 - Unit 6 Overview: Geometric and Physical Optics
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CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
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Glossary
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Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 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.