Fermat's Principle, also known as the principle of least time, states that the path taken by a ray of light between two points is the path that can be traversed in the least time. This principle is foundational in the study of optics and underlies the laws of reflection and refraction, providing a variational approach to understanding light behavior.

Fermat's Principle

principle of least time

path taken by a ray of light

two points

Optics is the branch of physics that studies the behavior and properties of light, including its interactions with matter and the construction of instruments that use or detect it. It encompasses phenomena such as reflection, refraction, diffraction, and interference, and is fundamental in technologies ranging from eyeglasses to advanced scientific instruments.

optics

The Laws of Reflection describe how light behaves when it bounces off surfaces, stating that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection, and both the incident ray, reflected ray, and the normal to the surface lie in the same plane. This principle is fundamental in understanding how images are formed by mirrors and is applicable in various optical devices and technologies.

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