The Laws of Reflection

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on the laws of reflection, including terms and definitions relevant to the behavior of light.

Angle of incidence

The angle formed between the incident ray and the normal line at the point of incidence on a reflective surface.

Angle of reflection

The angle formed between the reflected ray and the normal line at the point of reflection on a surface.

Normal line

An imaginary line that is perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

Specular reflection

The reflection of light off a smooth, shiny surface where parallel incident rays remain parallel after reflection.

Diffuse reflection

The reflection of light off an irregular or dull surface causing scattered reflected rays.

Plane mirror

A flat reflective surface where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.

Retro-reflector

A device that reflects light back to its source, often using two mirrors at right angles to each other.

Crumpled foil

A surface that exhibits diffuse reflection due to its irregular texture.

Smooth foil

A surface that exhibits specular reflection due to its even, shiny texture.

Regular reflection

Another term for specular reflection, where reflected rays are organized and parallel.