How Do You Calculate the Angle for a Reflected Ray to Become Vertical?

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    Inclined Mirrors
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The discussion focuses on calculating the angle of inclination (y) for a plane mirror that causes a reflected ray of light to become vertical. The initial angle of the incoming ray is 10 degrees with the horizontal. Through geometric reasoning, the solution concludes that the angle y must be 40 degrees, derived from the relationship between the angles of incidence and reflection. The calculations confirm that the angles maintain orthonormality, validating the solution.

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Amith2006
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Inclined mirror problem

Sir,
Please see if it is right.
1)A ray of light makes an angle of 10 degrees with the horizontal and strikes a plane mirror which is inclined at an angle y to the horizontal. What is the angle y for which the reflected ray becomes vertical?
I solved it in the following way:
Given that angle(CBF) = 90, angle(CBD) = 10, angle(DBE) = angle(EBF) = m
i.e. 2m + 10 = 90
m = 40
Now, y + 10 + 40 = 90
y = 40

Is it right?
 

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Yes I think this is correct...you can check that the angles are consistent with orthonormality once you have the values, yourself.
 

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