Law of Reflection
Run the Law of Reflection MicroSim Fullscreen
About This MicroSim
This simulation demonstrates the law of reflection, a fundamental principle in optics stating that when light reflects off a surface, the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection (θᵢ = θᵣ). Both angles are measured from the normal (perpendicular line) to the surface.
Key Concepts
- Incident Ray: The incoming light ray
- Reflected Ray: The outgoing light ray
- Normal: Line perpendicular to the reflecting surface
- Angle of Incidence (θᵢ): Angle between incident ray and normal
- Angle of Reflection (θᵣ): Angle between reflected ray and normal
Controls
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Angle slider | Adjust angle of incidence (0-85°) |
| Show normal line | Toggle normal line visibility |
| Show angle measurements | Toggle angle arc display |
| Reset to 45° | Return to default angle |