What does the term 'angle of reflection' describe?

The term 'angle of reflection' specifically describes the angle formed between the normal line (an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface) and the reflected ray after light bounces off a surface. According to the law of reflection, this angle is equal to the angle of incidence, which is the angle between the normal and the incoming/light incident ray. This principle is fundamental in understanding how light behaves when it encounters different surfaces, such as mirrors or shiny objects.

The angle of reflection being equal to the angle of incidence demonstrates the predictable behavior of light and is critical in various applications, including optics and optical devices. Understanding this relationship helps in designing reflective surfaces and analyzing light paths.