How Does the Angle Between Mirrors Affect Light Refraction and Deviation?

  • Thread starter Thread starter raspb3rry
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Angle deviation
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on designing an experiment to investigate how the angle between two mirrors affects the angle of deviation of a light ray. The experiment utilizes a ray box and two mirrors, with the setup involving measuring angles of incidence and reflection using a protractor. Key steps include adjusting mirror angles and calculating the angle of deviation by subtracting the angle of incidence from the angle of reflection. The conversation highlights the importance of careful measurement and data analysis to identify patterns in the relationship between mirror angles and light behavior.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of light behavior, specifically reflection and refraction
  • Familiarity with using a ray box for light experiments
  • Ability to use a protractor for measuring angles
  • Basic knowledge of experimental design and data recording
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of light reflection and refraction in detail
  • Learn about the mathematical relationship between angles of incidence and reflection
  • Explore advanced optical experiments using prisms and lenses
  • Investigate the effects of different materials on light behavior
USEFUL FOR

Students in physics, educators designing optics experiments, and anyone interested in the practical applications of light behavior in reflective systems.

raspb3rry
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hi
I have to design an experiment to fidn how the angle of deviation of a light ray depends upon the angle between two mirrors. I've found what the angle of deviation is (change in velocity experienced by a light ray after one or more refractions) but I don't know how to create an experiemtn using only mirrors instead of a prism. The equipment I can use is a ray box and 2 mirrors as the equipment for the experiment. Can someone give me an idea of how I can go about doing this experiment? Any links or information is grealty appreciated
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Huh?

:devil:
Sorry girl... ur screwed... there is no such thing as an angle of deviation in regards to reflection. If it is, it is just a basis of theory, because light does not change direction, but rather new light is created. I have to say, you teacher is crap, as this experiment does not make sense. What exactly are you trying to find out? This experiment does not proove or justify anything. You're teacher must be some stupid asian idiot like mine. lol. nah really... I'm just screwing with you... i don't know ****... ha ha ha ha :biggrin:
 


Hi there,

Thank you for sharing your experiment idea. Using mirrors to study refraction is a great way to explore the concept and its relationship to the angle of deviation. Here are some suggestions for how you could set up your experiment:

1. Start by setting up your equipment. Place one mirror on a flat surface, and position the other mirror at a 45-degree angle to the first mirror, creating a right angle. Make sure the mirrors are securely propped up so that they do not move during the experiment.

2. Set up your ray box so that it shines a beam of light towards the first mirror. You can use a protractor to measure the angle of incidence, which is the angle between the incident light ray and the normal (perpendicular) to the first mirror.

3. Observe the reflected light ray on the second mirror. Use a protractor to measure the angle of reflection, which is the angle between the reflected light ray and the normal to the second mirror.

4. Now, adjust the angle of the first mirror and repeat the process. You can try different angles and record the corresponding angles of incidence and reflection.

5. Use your measurements to calculate the angle of deviation by subtracting the angle of incidence from the angle of reflection. This will give you an idea of how the angle of deviation changes with different angles of incidence.

6. To further explore the relationship between the angle of deviation and the angle between the mirrors, you can vary the angle of the second mirror while keeping the first mirror fixed. Record your measurements and analyze the data to see if there is a pattern.

I hope these suggestions help you design your experiment. Remember to keep careful records of your measurements and to repeat the experiment multiple times to ensure accuracy. Good luck!
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
505
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
12K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
1
Views
2K