A mirror reflection of a mirror reflection

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    Mirror Reflection
AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around creating a setup with two perpendicular mirrors and a bird facing right, focusing on how to accurately depict the mirror images. Participants emphasize the importance of applying the laws of reflection, specifically that the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection. There is debate about whether the bird can be seen from both mirror positions, with some arguing that only one position provides a clear line of sight. The positioning of the mirrors and the angles involved are critical in determining visibility and accurate image representation. Ultimately, the discussion highlights the complexities of visual perception in mirror setups and the need for precise drawing techniques.
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a mirror reflection

Homework Statement



ALUdyoB.png


Create a set-up, as shown in the Figure, consisting of two mirror tiles (A and B)
and a bird face, facing to the right . Make sure the two mirrors are perpendicular to the table and parallel to each other. The situation shown is a front view of the situation.

A: If look at a mirror from the same direction and angle as one of the two arrows that are drawn, you will see the bird in the mirror. Draw the two mirror images of the bird, making sure the bird mirror is facing to the correct side!

B: Also add mirror image B' of mirror B to mirror A.

Homework Equations


mirror images

The Attempt at a Solution



I tried to draw a mirror reflection.
9U67i12.png

But Can the light ray (in yellow) simply go through the bird?
 
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Hey there!

Use the laws of reflection which states that :
a.The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
b. The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal to the surface lies in the same plane.


Now, It is to be kept in mind while tracing the image on an object that, no image is formed if there is no reflection.
 
phyneach said:
Hey there!

Use the laws of reflection which states that :
a.The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
b. The incident ray, reflected ray and the normal to the surface lies in the same plane.


Now, It is to be kept in mind while tracing the image on an object that, no image is formed if there is no reflection.

I know this, but A is a mirror! Of course there is reflection on a mirror! Have you actually read the question? And you suppose to see the bird in mirror A, as stated in the question.
 
You could certainly argue that from position B you will not see the whole image. In particular, you will not see the near side of the bird (the far side of the image). Whether a light ray on the line shown will reach you is not clear, since we do not have a plan view of the set-up. It could be that B is much closer to us than is the bird.
 
The yellow line drawn does not follow the direction of the arrow B. It is at an angle to it.

If I read the question correctly it is implying you will only see an image of the bird from one of the two positions. If that is the case, remembering to apply rule a. stated helpfully by phyneach, that you are already aware of, draw STRAIGHT lines and see which position actually has a "line of sight" to the bird.

(At a glance, perhaps it is not position B, but I could be wrong)

Consider why the outer two lines are given in this problem. They seem very conveniently positioned for where one might expect a virtual image to appear or be drawn as an answer.

https://www.google.com.au/?gfe_rd=c...rror+virtual+image&biv=i|11;d|ghfxmbJIYCyg6M:
 
@haruspex: "we do not have a plan view of the set-up. It could be that B is much closer to us than is the bird" <-- No, this would make it too complicated, simply expect that this is not the case, you can see the bird in the mirror if your x-position is at A or B and your Y-position is at a higher point than the mirror itself.

@mic*: "The yellow line drawn does not follow the direction of the arrow B. It is at an angle to it." well, how would you draw the line?
 
Also: how would you add "mirror image B' of mirror B to mirror A." if some parts are obscured??
 
Did you click the link I attached?
 
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