Proving Optical Law in plane mirror

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the optical law in a plane mirror, specifically focusing on the relationship between the distances of the object and its image, as well as the angles formed with the principal axis. Participants explore geometric proofs and seek clarification on the conditions under which these relationships hold.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a geometric proof using similar triangles to show that the distance of the image from the mirror is equal to the distance of the object from the mirror.
  • The same participant seeks to prove that the angle of the image is the same as that of the object with respect to the principal axis, expressing uncertainty about their previous assumption of angles being 90 degrees.
  • Another participant suggests starting with the general electromagnetic wave expression and applying boundary conditions to derive properties of the incident and reflected waves, implying a different approach to understanding the problem.
  • A later reply indicates that the initial proof already demonstrates the equidistance of points on the object and their corresponding images, suggesting that this could imply the angles are the same, but does not confirm it explicitly.
  • One participant expresses a lack of familiarity with wave physics and acknowledges the need to explore this area further, while also questioning the validity of the proof based on assumptions made about angles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the proof of the angles being the same. There are competing views on the validity of the assumptions made in the geometric proof, and some participants express uncertainty about the implications of their findings.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the angles and their relationships remain unverified, and the discussion highlights the dependence on specific geometric configurations. The proof relies on the assumption that the object and image are parallel to the mirror, which may not hold in all scenarios.

rktpro
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I tried to prove that distance of image is same as the distance of object in a plane mirror.
The image attached is the ray diagram.

First of all, I have assumed object and image to be parallel to mirror.

First I proved angle TSA = angle TSa

Then I have made similar triangle TSA and triangle TSa with AA similarity. ( where angle ATS = angle aTS ----each 90)

Therefore, TS/TS = TA/Ta
=> TA=Ta ( TS/TS = 1 )
=> AS=aS
( corresponding parts of similar triangle are equal in ratio)
Using this, I have made triangle ABS and abs congruent.
where,
As=aS
angle ASB = angle aSB
angle ABS = angle aBS

=> AB=aB ( corresponding parts of congruent triangles are equal)

Therefor, size of image is same as that of object.

Also, Bs=bS
(corresponding parts of congruent triangles)

That is, distance of image from mirror is same as that of object from mirror.

Now, I want to know how to prove that angle of image is same as that of object with principal axis? Because in my above method I already assumed both to be 90 degree. In other words, how to prove that image is erect too?
 

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If you want to know the right way, you start with the general electromagnetic wave expression. Write it down for the incident, reflected, and transmitted waves, then apply boundary conditions at the surface separating free space from the material. Because the incident and reflected waves exist in the same medium and must obey appropriate boundary conditions at all points on the planar interface, you find that they have the same frequency, same wave number, and same angle to the normal (on opposite sides).
 
rktpro said:
I tried to prove that distance of image is same as the distance of object in a plane mirror.
The image attached is the ray diagram.

First of all, I have assumed object and image to be parallel to mirror.

First I proved angle TSA = angle TSa

Then I have made similar triangle TSA and triangle TSa with AA similarity. ( where angle ATS = angle aTS ----each 90)

Therefore, TS/TS = TA/Ta
=> TA=Ta ( TS/TS = 1 )
=> AS=aS
( corresponding parts of similar triangle are equal in ratio)
Using this, I have made triangle ABS and abs congruent.
where,
As=aS
angle ASB = angle aSB
angle ABS = angle aBS

=> AB=aB ( corresponding parts of congruent triangles are equal)

Therefor, size of image is same as that of object.

Also, Bs=bS
(corresponding parts of congruent triangles)

That is, distance of image from mirror is same as that of object from mirror.

Now, I want to know how to prove that angle of image is same as that of object with principal axis? Because in my above method I already assumed both to be 90 degree. In other words, how to prove that image is erect too?

You have actually already proved it.
You have proved that the image of point A is at the point marked a and that this point is
-behind the mirror
-equidistant
-in the position shown

Now do the same for any other point on the object and you will find the same result.
All points on the object have their image equidistant behind the mirror.
This means point B has an image at b.
Therefore the object as a whole is exactly where you placed it.
 
chrisbaird, I am unaware of this physics of waves. I am going to get a read at it. But, I am very thankful to you that this can be verified.

Stonebridge, The proof by assumption may be wrong. I wanted to know why the angles are same. I have proved it all using this assumption.
 

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