- #1
Periscope reflection, but it seems backwards
- Thread starter heatherro92
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on understanding the behavior of images formed by two mirrors in a geometric configuration. Participants clarify that extending the mirrors and drawing perpendicular lines from the object to the mirrors is essential for accurate image placement. The key takeaway is that images in flat mirrors appear directly behind the mirror at equal distances, and the line connecting the object and its image must be perpendicular to the mirror surface. Misinterpretations regarding image positions are addressed, emphasizing the importance of correct geometric principles.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of basic geometric principles related to reflection
- Familiarity with the concept of perpendicular lines
- Knowledge of how images are formed in flat mirrors
- Ability to visualize geometric configurations involving mirrors
- Research the laws of reflection in optics
- Explore geometric constructions involving multiple mirrors
- Learn about the properties of images in concave and convex mirrors
- Experiment with real-life mirror setups to observe image formation
Students studying geometry, physics enthusiasts, educators teaching optics, and anyone interested in the principles of reflection and image formation.
- #2
heatherro92
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Then I thought the answer might be C and G, but that's also incorrect, I'm just not sure what to do!
- #3
PeterO
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heatherro92 said:
Extend the mirrors 1, so that you can find a point perpendicularly behind the mirror, and the same distance behind as well - as always happens with a flat mirror.
Now extend mirror 2 and repeat the above step for the final image position.
- #4
CWatters
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Perhaps remember that mirrors don't magnify an image so the image can't appear closer than the distance a light ray takes from the object to the eye via the mirrors.
- #5
heatherro92
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Then I would think B would be the image from 1, but then there is no image from 2... I mean D is perpendicular, but it is further away then the distance from the object to the original mirror
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As PeterO says, extend mirror 1 (in this case, up and to the right). If the object is at O and the image is at point X then you should find that the mirror perpendicularly bisects OX. That is not true of OB.heatherro92 said:
- #7
PeterO
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heatherro92 said:
You got B by extending the line from the object past the end of the existing mirror 1. That line is not perpendicular to the mirror.
I said extend mirror 1 - especially up to the right - then draw a line from the object that forms a right angle with the mirror.
Images in plane mirrors are DIRECTLY behind the mirror - so the line joining an object and and image is always perpendicular to the mirror.
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CWatters
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