Which of the following statements is true regarding reflection of ligh...
The correct answer is B: The angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection.
- This principle is known as the Law of Reflection.
- It states that when a light ray hits a smooth surface, the angle at which it arrives (angle of incidence) is equal to the angle at which it leaves (angle of reflection).
- Both angles are measured from the normal, an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence.
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Which of the following statements is true regarding reflection of ligh...
Understanding Reflection of Light
The phenomenon of reflection of light is governed by a fundamental principle known as the Law of Reflection. This law states that when a light ray strikes a reflective surface, it behaves in a specific manner.
Key Points of the Law of Reflection
- The angle of incidence is defined as the angle between the incoming ray and the normal (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence).
- The angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal.
Why Option B is Correct
- According to the Law of Reflection, the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection. This means that if a light ray strikes a mirror at a certain angle, it will reflect off at the same angle.
- Mathematically, this can be expressed as:
- Angle of Incidence (i) = Angle of Reflection (r)
Implications of This Law
- This relationship is crucial for understanding how mirrors and reflective surfaces work.
- It allows for predictable behavior of light, which is essential in various applications, including optics, photography, and design of reflective materials.
Conclusion
Thus, the correct statement regarding the reflection of light is that the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection, making option B the correct choice. Understanding this principle is fundamental in the study of light and its properties.