normal incidence | Energy Glossary

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normal incidence

1. n. [Geophysics]

The case in which a wavefront is parallel to an interface and its raypath is perpendicular, or normal, to the interface as the wave impinges upon the interface.

See related terms: angle of incidenceraypathreflection coefficientSnell's lawtwo-way traveltimewave

Diagram of reflection and refraction.
Diagram of reflection and refraction.