Angle of incidence

Definition

The angle of incidence is the angle between an incoming ray of light or other electromagnetic wave and a line perpendicular to the surface it strikes. It describes how the wave approaches the boundary or interface between two different mediums.

Related terms

Angle of reflection:

The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence, but on the opposite side of a normal line drawn perpendicular to the reflecting surface.

Angle of refraction:

The angle of refraction is the angle between a refracted ray and a line perpendicular to the surface it enters. It occurs when light passes from one medium into another, causing its direction to change.

Normal line:

A normal line is an imaginary line that is perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to a surface at any given point. It helps determine angles in relation to surfaces.