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32.2: Introduction

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The incoming angle of light and the outgoing angle of light are equal, with respect to a perpendicular line called the normal line, for all reflective surfaces; this is the law of reflection.  The normal line is a line that is drawn perpendicular to the surface where the light is hitting the surface.

clipboard_e5979118cdcab368b3c173d18d9342e05.png
Figure 32.2.1

If the surface is smooth and flat, the light rays will leave the surface parallel to each other.  However, if the surface is irregular, the light rays will leave in various directions.

clipboard_edb70b6b6c5905a291c6706d9a21449de.png
Figure 32.2.2

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32.2: Introduction is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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