Physics 151: Computerized Recitation #16 on Optics
This computerized recitation will focus on the principles of reflection and mirrors.
Simulation 1: Image in a Flat Mirror
Please wait for the animation to
completely load.
A bear stands in front of a plane mirror that is hanging on a wall. A point
source of light is located near the mirror. You can drag this source to
any location and can change the angle of its rays by click-dragging on the
hotspot (position is given in meters and
angle is given in degrees).
Restart.
- At what point on the mirror must the bear look in order to see her feet?
For simplicity and ease, assume the bear's eye is located at the tip of her
nose.
- Move the bear to the position x = 1.0 m. If the bear looks at the
same spot in the mirror found in (a), what will she see? Does this
imply that she is able to see more, less, or the same amount of her body in the
mirror when she moves away from the mirror?
- In terms of the bear's height, how long must the mirror be for her to see
her entire body?
Click here to go on to Simulation #2.