What is the term for a ray of light that travels out from a reflecting surface?

A ray of light that travels out from a reflecting surface is termed a reflected ray. When light strikes a surface, such as a mirror, it bounces off that surface according to the law of reflection. This law states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the incoming light strikes the surface) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which it leaves the surface). The reflected ray is the one that exits the surface after this interaction.

In contrast, a refracted ray pertains to light that passes into a medium where its speed changes, resulting in the light bending rather than reflecting. An incident ray refers to the incoming ray of light before it strikes the surface, and a scattered ray involves light being dispersed in multiple directions after striking rough surfaces, rather than reflecting in a specific direction. Understanding these definitions reinforces the concept of how light interacts with surfaces, emphasizing the correct identification of the reflected ray.