Reflection and Mirrors - Mission RM1 Detailed Help

The diagram below depicts a ray of light reflecting off a planar surface. The angle of reflection is depicted by angle _____.


 
Definition of Angle of Reflection:
The angle of reflection is the angle made by the ray of light leaving a surface (reflected ray) and the normal line drawn to the surface at the location where the ray leaves from the surface.


 
A common mistake made by beginning physics students is to believe that the angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the mirror surface. But don't be fooled! Angles of reflection (and incidence) are always measured between the ray of light and the normal line.


 

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