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When two plane mirrors subtend an angle ...

When two plane mirrors subtend an angle `theta` between them, then a ray of light incident parallel to one of them retraces its path afer n reflections such that `ntheta=c` (where c is constant)
What is the angle of c?

A

`pi`

B

`(pi)/(2)`

C

`(3pi)/(2)`

D

None of these

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To solve the problem, we need to analyze the situation involving two plane mirrors that subtend an angle \( \theta \) between them. A ray of light is incident parallel to one of the mirrors and retraces its path after \( n \) reflections such that \( n\theta = c \), where \( c \) is a constant. Our goal is to find the value of \( c \). ### Step-by-step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Geometry**: - We have two plane mirrors forming an angle \( \theta \). - A ray of light is incident parallel to one of the mirrors. 2. **Reflection of Light**: - When the ray hits the second mirror, it reflects off at the same angle it arrived at, which is determined by the angle \( \theta \) between the mirrors. - The ray will continue to reflect between the mirrors. 3. **Condition for Retracing Path**: - For the ray to retrace its path, the total angle of deviation after \( n \) reflections must equal \( 360^\circ \) or a multiple of it. - Each reflection contributes an angle of \( \theta \) to the deviation. 4. **Total Angle of Deviation**: - After \( n \) reflections, the total deviation is \( n\theta \). - For the ray to retrace its path, we need \( n\theta = 360^\circ k \) for some integer \( k \). 5. **Finding \( c \)**: - The problem states that \( n\theta = c \). - We can set \( c = 360^\circ k \). - The simplest case is when \( k = 1 \), which gives \( c = 360^\circ \). 6. **Conclusion**: - Therefore, the constant \( c \) is \( 360^\circ \). ### Final Answer: The angle \( c \) is \( 360^\circ \).
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