In the case of reflection, what principle governs the behavior of incident and reflected rays at the point of incidence?

The principle that governs the behavior of incident and reflected rays during reflection is the Law of Reflection. According to this fundamental optical principle, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. The incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface at the point of incidence) all lie in the same plane. This law holds true for all types of mirrors and reflective surfaces, ensuring predictable and consistent reflection patterns. The Law of Reflection is a key concept in optics and is essential for understanding the behavior of light when it interacts with reflective surfaces.