What is the incident ray?

The incident ray is defined as the light ray that is traveling toward a mirror or another reflective surface before it interacts with that surface. When light encounters a surface, the incident ray is the one that approaches and strikes the surface. Understanding this concept is crucial in optics, as it sets the stage for discussing how light behaves upon reflection or refraction.

In optics, the incident ray lays the groundwork for understanding concepts such as the angle of incidence, reflection, and the paths taken by light through different media. Knowing what an incident ray is helps students grasp how light interacts with various surfaces, which is fundamental in studies of reflection and refraction.