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What is the Law of Reflection
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GPT-5 mini
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The Law of Reflection states that when a light ray (or any wave) strikes a smooth surface, the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence.
In symbols:
θi = θr
Where:
- θi is the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of contact.
- θr is the angle between the reflected ray and the same normal.
- The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal all lie in the same plane.
Notes:
- Angles are measured from the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface), not from the surface itself.
- This applies to specular (mirror-like) reflection; rough surfaces produce diffuse reflection, but each tiny facet still obeys the law locally.
- The law can be derived from Fermat’s principle (least time) or from electromagnetic boundary conditions for waves.
In symbols:
θi = θr
Where:
- θi is the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the surface at the point of contact.
- θr is the angle between the reflected ray and the same normal.
- The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal all lie in the same plane.
Notes:
- Angles are measured from the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface), not from the surface itself.
- This applies to specular (mirror-like) reflection; rough surfaces produce diffuse reflection, but each tiny facet still obeys the law locally.
- The law can be derived from Fermat’s principle (least time) or from electromagnetic boundary conditions for waves.
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