Book cover for Physics

Physics

John D. Cutnell, Kenneth W. Johnson, David Young, Shane Stadler

ISBN #9781118486894

10th Edition

2,562 Questions

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Summary
Learning Objectives
Key Concepts
Example Problems
Explanations
Common Mistakes

Summary

This section covers the fundamental principles of light’s reflection from various types of mirrors. Starting with the concepts of wave fronts and rays, it explains the law of reflection and demonstrates how images are formed through both plane and spherical mirrors. The derivation of the mirror and magnification equations enables us to calculate the position and size of images, with distinct differences between real and virtual images. These concepts have broad applications in technology, from everyday mirrors to sophisticated optical devices.

Learning Objectives

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Key Concepts

CONCEPT

DEFINITION

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Example Problems

Example 1

Review Conceptual Example 2. Suppose that in Figure $25.9 b$ the two perpendicular plane mirrors are represented by the $-x$ and $-y$ axes of an $x, y$ coordinate system; mirror 1 is the $-x$ axis, and mirror 2 is the $-y$ axis. An object is in front of these mirrors at a point whose coordinates are $x=-2.0 \mathrm{m}$ and $y=-1.0 \mathrm{m} .$ Find the coordinates that locate each of the three images.

Example 2

On the $+y$ axis a laser is located at $y=+3.0 \mathrm{cm} .$ The coordinates of a small target are $x=+9.0 \mathrm{cm}$ and $y=+6.0 \mathrm{cm} .$ The $+x$ axis represents the edge-on view of a plane mirror. At what point on the $+x$ axis should the laser be aimed in order for the laser light to hit the target after reflection?

Example 3

You are trying to photograph a bird sitting on a tree branch, but a tall hedge is blocking your view. However, as the drawing shows, a plane mirror reflects light from the bird into your camera. For what distance must you set the focus of the camera lens in order to snap a sharp picture of the bird's image?

Example 4

Suppose that you are walking perpendicularly with a velocity of $+0.90 \mathrm{m} / \mathrm{s}$ toward a stationary plane mirror. What is the velocity of your image relative to you? The direction in which you walk is the positive direction.

Example 5

Two plane mirrors are separated by $120^{\circ},$ as the drawing illustrates. If a ray strikes mirror $M_{1}$ at a $65^{\circ}$ angle of incidence, at what angle $\theta$ does it leave mirror $M_{2} ?$
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Step-by-Step Explanations

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Common Mistakes

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