All Textbook Topics - Light - Key light terms - In the context of light rays, incident means light heading towards something e.g. a mirror

In the context of light rays, incident means light heading towards something e.g. a mirror

In the context of light rays, incident means light heading towards something e.g. a mirror. In the photo below, you would describe the light coming out of the ray box as incident on the mirror:

Here is a diagram of this scenario:

If you shine a torch on an object, you would describe the torchlight as incident on the object. In the photo below, the torchlight is incident on the rock:

Previous
Luminous objects are a source of, and give off their own, light
Next
In the context of light rays, reflected means light has bounced off a reflector and is now heading away from the reflector

All of our textbook pages have associated quizzes. Register for free to access them.

Register For Free