Angle of Reflection Change from 270 to 190 | Light & Optics

  • Thread starter Thread starter leehom
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Light Optics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion addresses the confusion surrounding the angle of incidence of light hitting a plane mirror at 270 degrees, which is not a valid angle based on standard definitions. It emphasizes that the angle of incidence should be measured from the normal, making the scenario impossible as described. When the mirror is tilted, reducing the angle of incidence by 80 degrees, the calculation of the total change in the angle of reflection is questioned. The fundamental principle that the angle of reflection equals the angle of incidence is reiterated. Overall, the conversation highlights the need for clarity in defining angles in optics.
leehom
Messages
24
Reaction score
0
Light is shining on to a plane mirror at an angle of incidence of 270. If the plain mirror is tilted such that the angle of incidence is reduce by 80, what will be the total change in the angel of reflection from the original reflected light?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The angle of incidence is normally defined from the normal ( that is a line coming out of the surface at right angles to it) an AoI of 270deg doesn't make sense.
With the above definition the light just reflects from the surface at the same angle of incidence that it hit it.
 

Thread 'Struggling to understand the concept of this question (ice cube in water optics question)'

TL;DR Summary: I came across this question from a Sri Lankan A-level textbook. Question - An ice cube with a length of 10 cm is immersed in water at 0 °C. An observer observes the ice cube from the water, and it seems to be 7.75 cm long. If the refractive index of water is 4/3, find the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. I could not understand how the apparent height of the ice cube in the water depends on the height of the ice cube immersed in the water. Does anyone have an...
View full post »
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Similar threads

Mirror system in geometrical optics
Replies
9
Views
2K
What Is the Angle of Reflection in a Plane Mirror?
Replies
11
Views
2K
AP physics 2: Phase change in thin film interference
Replies
1
Views
783
Light rays passing through a glass prism
Replies
2
Views
2K
What does it mean that when light is reflected the "wavelengths of each contributing hue are subtracted"?
Replies
16
Views
1K
Is the Solution for Rotation of Spherical Mirrors Incorrect?
Replies
16
Views
1K
Light beam fired in a moving train (relativity)
Replies
23
Views
2K
Optics: refraction and reflection
Replies
1
Views
2K
Light rays reflected off vertical mirror (law of reflection)
Replies
12
Views
2K
Index of refraction from reflected light (polarised)
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top