---
title: "Law of Reflection — AP Physics 2 Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "The law of reflection says the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, both measured from the normal. It's the foundation of every mirror ray diagram in Unit 6."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-physics-2-revised/key-terms/law-of-reflection"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Physics 2"
---

# Law of Reflection — AP Physics 2 Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence (the incoming angle) is equal to the angle of reflection (the outgoing angle) when light reflects off a surface.

## Related Study Guides

- [6.5 Images from Lenses and Mirrors](/ap-physics-2-revised/unit-6/images-lenses-mirrors/study-guide/GGzcEsMdk4J95mx4dz7a)
- [6.4 Refraction, Reflection, and Absorption](/ap-physics-2-revised/unit-6/refraction-reflection-absorption/study-guide/ekQWgQr9cTc1AoQJl7mN)
- [Unit 6 Overview: Geometric and Physical Optics](/ap-physics-2-revised/unit-uijO7xntwckmWJch/review/study-guide/uV8klagEJVQYCXfE0a9Z)

## Review

### Related Terms

- Incident Ray: This refers to the path along which light approaches and strikes a surface.
- Reflected Ray: It represents the path along which light bounces off after striking a surface.
- Normal Line: The normal line is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface where incident and reflected rays meet.