Calculate No of Images Formed by 2 Mirrors at Angle α

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SUMMARY

The number of images formed by two mirrors at an angle α can be calculated using the formula: N = (360/α) - 1, where N represents the number of images. This formula derives from the geometric properties of reflections and the iterative nature of image formation between the mirrors. The position of the observer's eye also influences the visibility of these images, as only images that are directly in line with the observer's line of sight will be seen. Understanding this concept is essential for applications in optics and design involving reflective surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Basic understanding of geometric optics
  • Familiarity with mirror reflections
  • Knowledge of angles and their properties
  • Concept of line of sight in visual perception
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of geometric optics in detail
  • Explore advanced topics in mirror reflections and image formation
  • Learn about the applications of reflective surfaces in design and architecture
  • Investigate the effects of observer position on image visibility
USEFUL FOR

Students of physics, optical engineers, and designers working with reflective surfaces will benefit from this discussion on image formation by mirrors.

SandeshPhy
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Is there any formula for calculating the no of images formed by two mirrors at an angle say α.
If yes,then please guide me to a proof of the same.
 
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A mirror acts as though it was a doorway into another world whose inside reverses front-to-back through the plane of the doorway everything that is outside the doorway. That will include any images in any mirrors on the outside of the doorway. Use that on each mirror to iteratively create a set of images of anything between the mirrors, repeated in wedges of that angle. Then any straight line from your eye that intersects the mirror that leads to an image created by that mirror is an image you will see. That should let you figure out how many images you see. I imagine it should depend on where your eye is.
 

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