Images from Two Parallel Mirrors

[jiten827]

Homework Statement

Two parallel mirrors that face each other are placed along and perpendicular to the x-axis at x = +11.00 m and x = -11.00 m. Assume that a point source of light is placed on the axis at x = +2.70 m. In principle, there will be an infinite number of images generated. Consider the locations of the four images of the point source with the smallest absolute values of image distance i. Going from left to right (i.e from negative to positive), what is the x-coordinate of the left most image?

2. What is the x-coordinate of the next image?

3. What is the x-coordinate of the next image?

4. What is the x-coordinate of the right most image?


I really do not know where to start, so any help appreciated

 

[Gokul43201]

Please show us some effort, so we may help you.

If you have a single mirror with an object placed at a distance d in front of it, where is the image of this object located? Can you extend this idea to your problem?

 

[ogb p]

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I would approach this problem by first understanding the basic principles of reflection and the formation of images in mirrors. In this scenario, we have two parallel mirrors facing each other, which means that the light from the point source will be reflected back and forth between the two mirrors, creating an infinite number of images.

To answer the first question, we need to find the x-coordinate of the leftmost image. This can be done by understanding that the first reflection will occur at the point where the light hits the first mirror (x = +11.00 m) and reflects back towards the source. This will create the first image at x = -11.00 m, which is the same distance from the second mirror as the original source is from the first mirror. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the leftmost image is -11.00 m.

For the second question, we need to find the x-coordinate of the next image. This will be the second reflection, which will occur at the point where the light hits the first mirror again (x = +11.00 m) and reflects back towards the source. This will create the second image at x = +11.00 m, which is the same distance from the second mirror as the first image is from the first mirror. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the next image is +11.00 m.

For the third question, we need to find the x-coordinate of the next image. This will be the third reflection, which will occur at the point where the light hits the first mirror again (x = +11.00 m) and reflects back towards the source. This will create the third image at x = -11.00 m, which is the same distance from the second mirror as the second image is from the first mirror. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the next image is -11.00 m.

Lastly, for the fourth question, we need to find the x-coordinate of the rightmost image. This will be the fourth reflection, which will occur at the point where the light hits the first mirror again (x = +11.00 m) and reflects back towards the source. This will create the fourth image at x = +11.00 m, which is the same distance from the second mirror as the third image is from the first mirror. Therefore, the x-coordinate of the rightmost image is +11.00 m.

In summary, the x-coordinates of the