Physics for Scientists and Engineers: A Strategic Approach with Modern Physics (3rd Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0321740904
ISBN 13: 978-0-32174-090-8

Chapter 23 - Ray Optics - Exercises and Problems - Page 689: 8

Answer

$\phi = 42.0^{\circ}$

Work Step by Step

Note that the light ray reflects off the mirror at the same angle as it strikes the mirror. Thus the angle between the surface of the mirror and the incident ray is $\phi$, and the angle between the surface of the mirror and the reflected ray is $\phi$ Let $x$ be the distance from the top left corner where the ray should strike the mirror. We can use similar triangles to find $x$: $\frac{x}{3.00~m} = \frac{5.00~m-x}{1.50~m}$ $1.50x = 15.0-3.00x$ $4.50x = 15.0$ $x = \frac{15.0}{4.50}$ $x = 3.33~m$ We can find $\phi$: $tan~\phi = \frac{3.00~m}{3.33~m}$ $tan~\phi = 0.90$ $\phi = tan^{-1}~(0.90)$ $\phi = 42.0^{\circ}$
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