The angle of incidence measures the angle at which incoming light strikes a surface.
- The angle of incidence is measured between a ray of incoming light and an imaginary line called the normal.
- See this diagram for an explanation: Reflection of a ray of light
- In optics, the normal is a line drawn on a ray diagram perpendicular to, so at a right angle to (900), the boundary between two media.
- If the boundary between the media is curved, then the normal is drawn at a tangent to the boundary.