Seneca
Sign up

Reflection of Light

Physics: IB Diploma Higher Level, topic 3.4.2

Reflection of Light

Light can be reflected by a plane (flat surface).

Angle of incidence

Angle of incidence

  • The angle of incidence is the angle between the incident (incoming) light ray and the normal.
  • The normal is a line at 90 degrees to the plane.
Angle of reflection

Angle of reflection

  • The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected light ray and the normal.
Law of reflection

Law of reflection

  • The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence = the angle of reflection.
  • θi=θr\theta_i=\theta_r

Test yourself on Reflection of Light

  • What is the normal?

  • What will happen to the angle of reflection if the angle of incidence increases?

Practise this topic for free