Question

If a light ray reflects off a plane mirror at an angle of $35^{\circ}$ to the normal, what was the angle of incidence of the ray?

   If a light ray reflects off a plane mirror at an angle of $35^{\circ}$ to the normal, what was the angle of incidence of the ray?

Physics Principle and Problems

Physics Principle and Problems

Paul W. Zitzewitz,… 1st Edition

Chapter 17, Problem 3

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Henrique Saito

06/03/2020

Step 1

This means that the angle at which the light ray hits the mirror (the angle of incidence) is the same as the angle at which it bounces off the mirror (the angle of reflection). Show more…

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If a light ray reflects off a plane mirror at an angle of $35^{\circ}$ to the normal, what was the angle of incidence of the ray?

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Key Concepts

Law of Reflection

This fundamental principle in optics states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. It applies to all reflective surfaces, ensuring that the path of a light ray is predictable when it strikes a mirror or similar surface.

Angle of Incidence

This is the angle between the incoming light ray and the normal (a line perpendicular to the surface) at the point of incidence. It is a crucial measure in understanding how light interacts with surfaces and is directly used in calculating the reflection path.

Normal

The normal is an imaginary line drawn perpendicular to the surface at the point where the light ray strikes. It serves as the reference line for measuring both the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.

Plane Mirror

A plane mirror is a flat reflective surface that produces a virtual image of an object. The reflection from a plane mirror adheres strictly to the law of reflection, making it easier to analyze the angles involved in the reflection of light.

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