Which statement is true regarding the angle of incidence and angle of reflection?

Study for the Key Stage 3 (KS3) Physics Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Prepare to ace your exam!

The angle of incidence and the angle of reflection are fundamental concepts in the study of reflection. According to the law of reflection, the angle at which light (or any wave) strikes a surface, known as the angle of incidence, is always equal to the angle at which it is reflected away from that surface, referred to as the angle of reflection. This principle applies to all kinds of waves, including light waves, sound waves, and water waves.

When light hits a smooth surface, it reflects in a manner that these two angles are equal. This can be visually understood by imagining a line that represents the surface – the angles are measured from this line to the incoming (incident) and outgoing (reflected) light rays. The equality of these angles holds true regardless of the orientation of the surface or the angle at which the light approaches.

This principle is crucial for understanding a wide range of optical phenomena, such as how mirrors work, which play a pivotal role in both everyday life and various technologies.

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