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.

Analogy

Imagine you are throwing a ball at a wall. The angle at which you throw the ball towards the wall is like the angle of incidence. It determines how the ball will hit and interact with the wall.

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.