Virtual image on the perpendicular

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SUMMARY

A virtual image in a plane mirror is located along the perpendicular line drawn from the object to the mirror's surface. This concept is rooted in the principles of reflection, where the angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection relative to the normal line, which is perpendicular to the mirror. The confusion arises from visualizing the relationship between the object and its virtual image, which appears directly across from the object along this perpendicular line. Understanding this relationship is crucial for grasping the behavior of light in reflective surfaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic optics principles, specifically reflection.
  • Familiarity with the concept of the normal line in geometry.
  • Knowledge of angles, particularly the angle of incidence and reflection.
  • Ability to interpret diagrams related to plane mirrors.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the laws of reflection in detail, focusing on the angle of incidence and reflection.
  • Explore the concept of virtual images in different types of mirrors, including concave and convex mirrors.
  • Learn how to draw ray diagrams to visualize the formation of virtual images.
  • Investigate the applications of virtual images in optical devices such as periscopes and cameras.
USEFUL FOR

Students studying physics, particularly those focusing on optics, as well as educators seeking to clarify the concept of virtual images in plane mirrors.

RabbitWho
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Homework Statement


The book ("Real World Physics") says
A virtual image in a plane mirror is on the perpendicular from the object to the mirror

Homework Equations


I know that the normal line is perpendicular to the surface of the mirror
And I know that the angle of the incidence and reflection are the same degrees as each other with respect to the normal.. But I don't get what they mean by the sentence above
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plane_mirror#/media/File:Plane_mirror.png

Plane_mirror.png
[wikicommons image]

The Attempt at a Solution


I don't see any right angles in the image above and I can't visualise any when I look in the mirror. I doubled check to make sure that perpendicular always means at a right angle.. and it does... Can someone explain what is meant by this? Thank you!
 
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Draw a line from A to A'. What angle does it make with the mirror?
 
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So what it is saying is that something across from the mirror will look like it is across from the mirror in the reflection? Or am I misunderstanding?
 

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