How Does Light Reflect Between Two Mirrors Angled at 60.5 Degrees?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the reflection of light between two vertical plane mirrors positioned at an angle of 60.5 degrees. Participants analyze the angles involved in the reflection process, concluding that the angle of the reflected light hitting the second mirror is 60.5 degrees. The logic presented indicates that the light reflects off the second mirror at the same angle it approaches, maintaining the angle of incidence equal to the angle of reflection. This understanding is crucial for solving similar optics problems in physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, specifically the law of reflection.
  • Familiarity with angles and triangle properties in geometry.
  • Ability to visualize light paths and angles in reflective surfaces.
  • Knowledge of how to construct and interpret diagrams related to light reflection.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the law of reflection in detail, focusing on angle of incidence and angle of reflection.
  • Explore the concept of light behavior in multiple reflections between mirrors.
  • Learn about the geometric properties of triangles and their application in optics.
  • Investigate practical applications of mirror angles in real-world scenarios, such as periscopes and kaleidoscopes.
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Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators looking for examples of light reflection principles in action.

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Homework Statement


A pair of vertical plane mirrors stands with an angle of = 60.5 degrees between them. A pencil of light approaches in a direction parallel to one of them, as shown. After the pencil has left the mirrors, in which direction will it be going? (Give your answer as the angle above the second mirror the light hits.)


Homework Equations





3. The Attempt at a Solution [/b

I am just confused on how they want the answer.
 
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is this how it is?

I'm trying to figure outhow this situation looks. If the diagram I drew is right then logically (since I haven't studied optics yet) if the angle between the mirrors were 90 degrees then then light would hit the other mirror perpendicularly as well, and the light wouldn't hit the mirror the light is parallel to. the angle needs to be less than 90 degrees for the light to hit the mirror that the light is parallel to at all. Since this is the case, I would assume that whatever the angle the light hits the mirror is the difference between 90 degrees and the angle made between the two mirrors. so logically (again only logically) I would say the angle of the reflected light hitting the parallel mirror is 29.5 degrees.

hope that helps, tell me if I'm right that would be awesome if i didn't even look it up.
 

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See I tried that as well and it was incorrect. Nice try though.
 
another try

the other answer I came up with is 59 degrees
 
how did you get that
 
changed tactic

k so then I tried to do it from a bird's eye view (see my diagram)

Since the two mirrors make a 60.5 degree angle that means the parallel light and mirror 2 also make a 60.5 degree angle. Since it comes in at that angle it bounces off mirror two, forming a 60.5 degree angle between the reflected light and mirror 2. once it strike the parallel mirror, it forms a triangle. since triangles have 180 degrees to them and you have to angles, I found the third angle... eh?
 

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Ok I get now, its so obvious its embarassing,
thank you
 

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