Question

Dold

Labeling Ray Diagrams
A
BID
E
Identify the parts of a ray diagram for reflected light.
A:
B:
C:
D:
E:

Answer 1

1. A is the incident ray
2. B is the angle of incidence
3. C is the normal
4. D is the angle of reflection
5. E is the reflected ray

A: Incident Ray: This is the ray of light that strikes the surface.

B: Angle of Incidence: This is the angle between the incident ray and the normal.

C: Normal: This is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface at the point where the incident ray strikes the surface.

D: Angle of Reflection: This is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal.

E: Reflected Ray: This is the ray of light that bounces off the surface.

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This law holds true for all types of reflection.

In the diagram, the incident ray (orange) strikes the surface, and the reflected ray (red) bounces off at an angle equal to the angle of incidence. The normal line (dashed gray) is perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.

The angles of incidence and reflection are measured relative to this normal line.