Question

Two diverging light rays, originating from the same point, have an angle of 5° between them. After the rays reflect from a plane mirror, what is the angle between them? Construct one possible ray diagram that supports your answer.

Answer 1

Answer:

5°  

Explanation:

Two diverging light rays, originating from the same point, have an angle of 5° between them.

According to laws of reflection the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

From the attached figure, it is clear that the after reflection from a plane mirror the angle between two rays will be 5°.

O be the originating point. m and n two diverging light rays. When they strikes at the plane mirror, the laws of reflection still fulfilled.

Answer 2

As a reference, consider the line from the point perpendicular to the mirror.
That direction is called 'normal' to the mirror.

The ray on the right leaves the point traveling 5° to the right of the normal,
and leaves the mirror on a path that's 10° to the right of the normal.

The ray on the left leaves the point traveling 5° to the left of the normal,
and leaves the mirror on a path that's 10° to the left of the normal.

The angle between the two rays after they leave the mirror is 20° .

Frankly, Charlotte, if there were more than 5 points available for this answer,
I'd seriously consider giving you a drawing too.