Themes > Science > Physics > Optics > Wave Properties of Light > Reflection

The first property of light we consider is reflection from a surface, such as that of a mirror. This is illustrated in Fig. 22.5.
  
Figure 22.5: Law of reflection
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When light is reflected off any surface, the angle of incidence $\theta_{1}^{}$ is always equal to the angle of reflection $\theta_{2}^{}$ .

Note:

  • The angles are always measured with respect to the normal to the surface.
  • The law of reflection is also consistent with the particle picture of light.


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