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Geometric Optics

 
 

Problems on Reflection

 
Problem 1.1: A laserbeam strikes a vertical surface at an angle of 48o. The reflected beam can be seen as a spot on a horizontal surface. The spot is 10 meters away from the point of incidence on the vertical surface. How far is the horizontal distance from the spot to the vertical surface? [Solution]
Problem 1.2: In a dark room a beam enters through a pinhole 5 meters above the floor, reflects off a mirror 2 meters from the wall where it entered, and then forms a spot on the opposite wall 2.5 meters from the floor. How wide is the room? [Solution]
Problem 1.3: A mirror on a wall reflects sunlight onto the floor. The mirror is oriented vertically, directly facing the sun and has dimensions 0.7 meters × 0.7 meters, with its base 1 meter from the floor. If the sun if 50 meters above the horizon, how large is the patch of sunlight on the floor? [Solution]
Problem 1.4: Two mirrors are oriented at right angles to one another, forming a so-called corner reflector. Prove that the path of the light entering this system is antiparallel to the path of the light leaving the system. [Solution]
Problem 1.5: What happens if we modify the situation in the previous problem (two plane mirrors oriented at right angles) to some angle φ < 90o between the mirrors. What is the angle between the incoming and outgoing rays in this case (limited to cases where only two reflections occur)? [Solution]
 
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