🧲ap physics 2 review

Principal rays

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

Three specific light rays used in ray diagrams to find images formed by mirrors: the ray parallel to the principal axis, the ray that reflects at the center of the mirror, and the ray that passes through the focal point.

AP course connection

Topic 13.2: 13.2 Images Formed by Mirrors

Unit 13

"Principal rays" also found in: