Reflection Physics Example 3

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 3

easy
A ray of light hits a smooth surface at an angle of 0°0° to the normal (perpendicular). What happens?

Solution

  1. 1
    Angle of incidence = 0°0°, so angle of reflection = 0°0°.
  2. 2
    The ray reflects straight back along its original path.

Answer

The ray reflects back along the same path.\text{The ray reflects back along the same path.}
When light hits a surface perpendicularly (normal incidence), it reflects straight back. This is the principle behind retroreflectors used in road signs.

About Reflection

The change in direction of a wave at a boundary so that it returns into the original medium.

Learn more about Reflection →

More Reflection Examples

Example 1 easy

A light ray hits a plane mirror at an angle of [formula] to the normal. What is the angle of reflect

Example 2 medium

A light ray strikes a mirror. The angle between the incident ray and the reflected ray is [formula].

Example 4 medium

A concave mirror has a focal length of [formula]. An object is placed [formula] from the mirror. Use

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