What is the difference between angle of incidence and angle of reflection?

The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are related but distinct concepts in the context of optics and physics.

Angle of Incidence

• The angle of incidence is the angle at which an incoming wave or particle, such as a light ray, approaches and strikes a surface. It is measured relative to the normal, an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence431.

Angle of Reflection

• The angle of reflection is the angle at which the reflected wave or particle, such as a light ray, bounces back from the surface. It is also measured relative to the normal, the same imaginary line perpendicular to the surface345.

Key Difference

• The primary difference between the two angles is their direction relative to the surface, but according to the law of reflection, the angle of incidence is always equal to the angle of reflection. This means that the angle at which light approaches the surface (angle of incidence) is the same as the angle at which it is reflected back (angle of reflection)345.