Solving Point Source Light Problem | HELP

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on solving a geometry problem involving a point source of light illuminating an aperture. The scenario describes a light patch measuring 10.2 cm on a screen located 1.02 m behind the aperture, which is 2.3 m away from the light source. Participants suggest using trigonometric principles to determine the width of the aperture by calculating the angle α and applying standard trigonometric relationships to find the necessary dimensions.

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Point Source...HELP!

Homework Statement


A point source of light illuminates an aperture 2.3 m away. A 10.2-cm-wide bright patch of light appears on a screen 1.02 m behind the aperture. How wide is the aperture?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


This looks like a geometry problem but I am not seeing it??
 
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I have included a drawing of the situation in the attachment.
You can use the blue triangle to find the angle [itex]\alpha[/itex].
Then use standard trigonometry to find the answer (which is the length of one of the sides of the red triangle).
 

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  • aperture.jpg
    aperture.jpg
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wow thank you very much!
 

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