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Question 635 of 949

When a ray of light strikes a smooth surface at an angle of incidence of 30 degrees, what is the angle of reflection?

  • 15 degrees
  • 30 degrees
  • 45 degrees
  • 60 degrees

Correct Answer: B

Explanation
**Correct Option: B (30 degrees)** ### Detailed Explanation: 1. **Understanding the Law of Reflection**: - The law of reflection states that when a ray of light strikes a smooth surface (like a mirror), the angle at which it hits the surface (the angle of incidence) is equal to the angle at which it reflects off the surface (the angle of reflection). - Mathematically, this can be expressed as: \[ \text{Angle of Incidence} = \text{Angle of Reflection} \] - Both angles are measured from the normal line, which is an imaginary line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence. 2. **Identifying the Given Information**: - In this problem, the angle of incidence is given as 30 degrees. 3. **Applying the Law of Reflection**: - According to the law of reflection, since the angle of incidence is 30 degrees, the angle of reflection must also be 30 degrees. - Therefore, we can conclude: \[ \text{Angle of Reflection} = 30 \text{ degrees} \] ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect: - **Option A: 15 degrees**: - This option suggests that the angle of reflection is half of the angle of incidence. However, the law of reflection states that both angles are equal, not half. Therefore, this option is incorrect. - **Option C: 45 degrees**: - This option implies that the angle of reflection is greater than the angle of incidence. According to the law of reflection, this is not possible. The angle of reflection must equal the angle of incidence, making this option incorrect. - **Option D: 60 degrees**: - Similar to option C, this option suggests that the angle of reflection is greater than the angle of incidence. Again, this contradicts the law of reflection, which states that both angles must be equal. Thus, this option is also incorrect. ### Summary of Key Points: - The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. - In this case, with an angle of incidence of 30 degrees, the angle of reflection is also 30 degrees. - The other options are incorrect because they do not adhere to the law of reflection, which requires both angles to be equal. ### Revision Summary: - The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. - For an angle of incidence of 30 degrees, the angle of reflection is also 30 degrees. - Incorrect options suggest angles that do not follow the law of reflection. - Always remember to measure angles from the normal line when dealing with reflection.
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