I Feynman's Vol 1 Lecture 26 Principle of Least Time (help with Figure)

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around Feynman's Lecture 26 on the Principle of Least Time, specifically focusing on Figure 26-4 and the angles of reflection BCN’ and XCF. The original poster is struggling to demonstrate that these angles are equal and seeks assistance in presenting the figure. A response clarifies that while the angles are not exactly equal, they approach equality as the angle changes become infinitesimally small, which aligns with Feynman's argument. The suggestion to attach a visual representation of the figure is also made to facilitate understanding. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the nuanced understanding of angle relationships in the context of Feynman's principles.
Sparky_
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Hello,

Just for fun - I am trying to go through The Feynman’s Lectures: Lecture #26 – Volume 1: The Principle Of Least Time. I am stuck on Figure 26-4 and specifically showing the two angles with the “double arcs” are equal. The angle of reflection BCN’ and XCF.

Maybe I am just that rusty on my geometry – I have going through several pages of scribbles trying to show those two angles are equal with no luck.

Help??

Should a take a picture and attach it to this thread or ?? How can I present the figure?
Thanks

Sparky_
 

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Sparky_ said:
Should a take a picture and attach it to this thread or ?? How can I present the figure?
Thanks
Yes please. Use the "Attach files" link below the Edit window to upload a JPEG or PDF file, or you should be able to do a copy-paste into the Edit window directly, as long as the little icons above the Edit window are not red (click the "[ ]" BB toggle button there to turn the icons black if they are red).
 
Sparky_ said:
I am stuck on Figure 26-4 and specifically showing the two angles with the “double arcs” are equal. The angle of reflection BCN’ and XCF
They are not exactly equal, but they are smoothly equal in the limit of small changes in angle. That is all Feynman claims (see egn 26.3 et seq) and all he needs for his least time argument. Its good that you can't prove it!
 
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