Question

Define the following terms used in the study of reflection of light by drawing a labelled ray-diagram:

1. Incident ray
2. Point of incidence
3. Normal
4. Reflected ray
5. Angle of incidence
6. Angle of reflection

Answer 1

1. Incident ray: The ray of light which falls on the mirror surface is called the incident ray.
2. Point of incidence: The point at which the incident ray falls on the mirror is called the point of incidence.
3. Normal: The normal is a line at right angles to the mirror surface at the point of incidence.
4. Reflected ray: The ray of light which is sent back by the mirror is called the reflected ray.
5. Angle of incidence: The angle of incidence is the angle made by the incident ray with the normal at the point of incidence.
6. Angle of reflection: The angle of reflection is the angle made by the reflected ray with the normal at the point of incidence.