Angle of Deviation: Plane Mirror Reflection

Thread starter Perpendicular
Start date Oct 5, 2010
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In summary, the angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence. It can be measured by drawing a line perpendicular to the mirror's surface and using a protractor to determine the angle between it and the reflected ray. The angle of incidence directly affects the angle of deviation, and all three - the incident ray, reflected ray, and angle of deviation - are related by the law of reflection. The angle of deviation cannot be negative in a plane mirror reflection, as it is always equal to the angle of incidence and must have positive values.

Oct 5, 2010

Perpendicular

What is meant by angle between reflected ray and incident ray , the angle of deviation or the sum of angles of incidence and reflection ? ( For a plane mirror )

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Oct 5, 2010

Stonebridge

The angle of deviation would be the angle D in the diagram.
It would be equal to 180 - (i+r)
Because r = i for a mirror then it could be expressed as
D = 180 - 2i

So the angle you refer to is 180 - D

1. What is the angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection?

The angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection is always equal to the angle of incidence. This means that the angle between the incident ray (the incoming ray of light) and the reflected ray (the ray of light bouncing off the mirror) is always the same.

2. How is the angle of deviation measured in a plane mirror?

The angle of deviation is measured by drawing a line perpendicular to the surface of the mirror at the point where the incident ray strikes the mirror. Then, the angle between this perpendicular line and the reflected ray is measured using a protractor.

3. Does the angle of incidence affect the angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection?

Yes, the angle of incidence does affect the angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection. As mentioned before, the angle of deviation is always equal to the angle of incidence. This means that if the angle of incidence changes, the angle of deviation will also change.

4. What is the relationship between the incident ray, reflected ray, and angle of deviation in a plane mirror reflection?

The incident ray, reflected ray, and angle of deviation are all related by the law of reflection. This law states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal (a line perpendicular to the surface of the mirror) all lie in the same plane.

5. Can the angle of deviation be negative in a plane mirror reflection?

No, the angle of deviation cannot be negative in a plane mirror reflection. Since the angle of deviation is always equal to the angle of incidence, it can only have positive values. A negative angle of deviation would imply that the reflected ray is traveling in the opposite direction of the incident ray, which is not possible in a plane mirror reflection.