Specular reflection

Specular reflection is reflection from a smooth surface in which reflected energy travels in a direction set by the angle of incidence. It produces mirror-like images when surface irregularities are small relative to the wavelength.

Law of reflection: The geometric rule that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence, measured from the surface normal. This equality fixes the outgoing direction for each incoming ray.
Electromagnetic wave: A propagating disturbance of electric and magnetic fields that carries energy through space or matter. Visible light is an electromagnetic wave whose energy undergoes specular reflection.
Plane mirror: A flat reflective surface that forms a virtual image with the same size as its object. Its smooth surface gives the clearest everyday example of specular reflection.
Retroreflection: Reflection that sends light back toward its source over a range of incident directions. Unlike ordinary specular reflection, it returns light toward the incoming direction.
Surface normal: A line perpendicular to a surface at a specified point. Both angles in the reflection law are measured from this local direction.
Angle of incidence: The angle between an incoming ray and the normal to the surface at the point of incidence. Its value determines the reflected ray's direction.
Reflecting telescope: A telescope that uses curved mirrors to collect and focus light. Its mirrors rely on controlled specular reflection to form an image.
Total internal reflection: Complete reflection inside a material when light reaches an interface above the critical angle. It is a distinct interface regime with no propagating transmitted ray.
Fresnel equations: Equations describing how much light is reflected and transmitted at an interface between materials. They determine reflected energy and polarization at the surface.
Wavelength: The spatial period of a repeating wave, measured between equivalent points in successive cycles. Surface features are judged as smooth or rough relative to this length.

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