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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)
If the angle between mirrors is `60^(@)` . Then light ray retraces its path after n reflections where n is

A

3

B

4

C

2

D

None of these

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The correct Answer is:
To solve the problem, we need to find the value of \( n \) when two plane mirrors subtend an angle of \( \theta = 60^\circ \) between them, and the condition for the ray of light to retrace its path is given by \( n\theta = c \), where \( c \) is a constant. ### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Understanding the Geometry**: - We have two plane mirrors forming an angle \( \theta = 60^\circ \). - A ray of light is incident parallel to one of the mirrors. 2. **Finding the Condition for Retracing the Path**: - For the ray to retrace its path after \( n \) reflections, the relationship \( n\theta = c \) must hold true. - Here, \( c \) is a constant that represents the total angular deviation after \( n \) reflections. 3. **Calculating the Total Angle**: - Since the angle between the mirrors is \( 60^\circ \), we can express \( c \) in terms of \( n \) and \( \theta \): \[ c = n \cdot 60^\circ \] 4. **Finding the Value of \( n \)**: - To find \( n \), we need to determine how many reflections are required for the ray to return to its original path. - Each reflection changes the direction of the ray by \( 2\theta \) (since it reflects off both mirrors). - After \( n \) reflections, the total angular deviation will be \( 2n \cdot 60^\circ \). - For the ray to retrace its path, this total deviation must equal \( 360^\circ \) (a full circle): \[ 2n \cdot 60^\circ = 360^\circ \] 5. **Solving for \( n \)**: - Rearranging the equation gives: \[ 2n \cdot 60 = 360 \] \[ 120n = 360 \] \[ n = \frac{360}{120} = 3 \] 6. **Conclusion**: - The value of \( n \), which is the number of reflections required for the ray to retrace its path, is \( 3 \). ### Final Answer: The ray retraces its path after \( n = 3 \) reflections.
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