What is the angle of reflection

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    Angle Reflection
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the angle of reflection when a beam of light reflects off a mirror positioned at the center of a clock face, specifically from the 10 to the 5 hour marks. Participants explore the geometric relationships and properties involved in this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for help in calculating the angle of reflection from the 10 to the 5 on a clock face.
  • Another suggests forming a triangle with the points of reflection and questions the properties of that triangle.
  • A participant inquires about the distances involved, specifically the distance from the mirror to the clock and from the center to the 10.
  • One participant discusses the angles between the hour marks, noting that each hour represents 30 degrees, leading to a total angle of 150 degrees from 10 to 5.
  • Another participant proposes that the internal angle is 40 degrees, suggesting that the angle of reflection is 20 degrees, and seeks confirmation of this reasoning.
  • A later reply acknowledges the previous participant's reasoning and confirms that the angle of reflection will equal half of the total angle, but does not resolve the correctness of the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying interpretations of the angles involved, with some agreeing on the calculations while others seek clarification. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the exact angle of reflection.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not clarified certain assumptions, such as the exact positioning of the mirror or the distances involved, which may affect the calculations. There are also unresolved mathematical steps in determining the angle of reflection.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in geometric optics, mathematical reasoning related to angles, or those seeking to understand reflections in a practical context may find this discussion relevant.

math4me
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If a beam of light shines from the 10 on the face of a clock, reflects off a mirror in the center and strikes the 5, what is the angle of reflection.

If anyone could help me, it would be much appreciated tyty.
 
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any ideas anybody?
 
Connect the 10, the 5 and the reflection points together to form a triangle. What are the properties of that triangle?
 
How far is the mirror from the clock? What is the distance from the center of the clock to the 10?
 
Chen i having difficulty could you please explain.
 
math4me said:
If a beam of light shines from the 10 on the face of a clock, reflects off a mirror in the center and strikes the 5, what is the angle of reflection.
What's the angle between the hours marked on a clock? For example, what's the angle between 12 and 1? What angle is swept out by the hour hand of a clock each hour?

Then ask what's the angle between the 10 hour mark and the 5 hour mark? (That's 5 hours difference, right?)

A mirror arranged in the center to reflect the light as specified will have angle of incidence plus angle of reflection equal that total angle. So what's the law of reflection have to say?
 
The mirror is in the center of the clock? Since the "hours" divide the face of the clock into 12 parts, each "hour" division is 360/12= 30 degrees. From 10 to 5 is 5*30= 150 degrees.
 
Ah so the internal angle is 40 degrees, so the angle of reflection is 20 degrees? Am i right anyone??
 
math4me said:
Ah so the internal angle is 40 degrees, so the angle of reflection is 20 degrees? Am i right anyone??
Where did you get this? Did you read Halls' answer? (But you are correct that the angle of reflection will equal half of the total angle.)
 
  • #10
Yes Hall helped me ty v much everyone it is much appreciated. :-)
 

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