Field of view of cylindrical mirrors

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the field of view of a cylindrical mirror, specifically in the context of a driving mirror with a radius of 10 cm and a length of 10 cm. The original poster expresses uncertainty about cylindrical mirrors and seeks guidance on how to approach the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the geometry of light reflection from the mirror, with one suggesting to treat each point on the edge of the mirror as a plane mirror. Questions about the angles of reflection and their differences are raised, as well as the relationship between arc length and angles in circular geometry.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering various interpretations and approaches to the problem. Some guidance has been provided regarding the geometric treatment of the mirror and the relationship between angles and arc lengths, though no consensus has been reached on a specific method to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential confusion regarding the problem's clarity and the assumptions about the setup, including the distance of the observer and the nature of the mirror's reflection.

Amith2006
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Sir,
A driving mirror consists of a cylindrical mirror of radius 10 cm and the length over the curved surface is 10 cm. If the of the driver be assumed to be at a great distance from the mirror, what is the field of view of the mirror in radian?
I don’t have any idea about cylindrical mirrors. Could you please give a hint on how to solve this problem?
 
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I think this question could be expresses a little more clearly.

We have a rear view mirror on a car. (This took me a while to figure out. I thought it was about some kind of optical resonator :rolleyes: ). The distance, measured horizontally ON the surface of the mirror is 10cm. If it formed a cylinder it would have a radius of 10cm. I person is standing 25 ft behind the car. They pull a laser pointer out of their pocket and shine it on the left edge of the rear view mirror. The light reflects at angle theta1. They then shine it on the right side of the mirror and the light reflects at an angle theta2. What is the difference between theta1 and theta2??
 
Never mind that it is a cylindrical mirror. Treat each point on the edge of the mirror, where the light is reflected, as an individual plane mirror. Solve it using geometry (unless someone here can suggest a better method).
 
Also, if the incoming beam is said to have an angle of zero radians, then

|theta1-theta2| = |2 * theta1| = |2*theta2|
 
A circular arc has length L = [itex]\theta[/itex] R, where [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle subtending the arc and R is the radius.

A full circle has circumference = 2[itex]\pi[/itex] R. The circumference is subtended by the angle 2[itex]\pi[/itex].
 
Astronuc said:
A circular arc has length L = [itex]\theta[/itex] R, where [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle subtending the arc and R is the radius.

A full circle has circumference = 2[itex]\pi[/itex] R. The circumference is subtended by the angle 2[itex]\pi[/itex].
Could you please explain in bit more detail?
 

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