Question

Two plane mirrors are separated by 120°, as the drawing illustrates. If a ray strikes mirror M1 at a θ1 = 64° angle of incidence, at what angle θ2 does it leave mirror M2?

Answer 1

Angle, θ2 at which the light leaves mirror 2 is 56°

Explanation:

Given-

θ1 = 64°

So, α will also be 64°

According to the figure:

α + β = 90°

So,

β = 90° - α

  = 90° - 64°

  = 26°

β + γ + 120° = 180°

γ = 180° - 120° - β

γ = 180° - 120° - 26°

γ = 34°

γ + δ = 90°

δ = 90° - γ

δ = 90° - 34°

δ = 56°

According to the law of reflection,

angle of incidence = angle of reflection

θ2 = δ = 56°

Therefore, angle θ2 at which the light leaves mirror 2 is 56°