Physics: Draw Image of Object in Plane Mirror Using Reflection Laws

Question

12) Zeichnen Sie anhand der charakteristischen Strahlen die Bilder (6 P). (Diagram shows an incident ray hitting a plane mirror, with normal line drawn)

Accepted Answer

Image is virtual, upright, same size as object, located behind mirror at same distance as object from mirror. Reflected ray follows law of reflection: angle of incidence = angle of reflection.

Answer

Step 1: Recall Law of Reflection: The angle of incidence (between incident ray and normal) equals the angle of reflection (between reflected ray and normal). Step 2: Draw the reflected ray: Measure the angle of incidence from the incident ray to the normal, then draw the reflected ray on the other side of the normal with the same angle. Step 3: Recall plane mirror image properties: Image is virtual (cannot be projected on screen), upright, same size as object, and located at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front. Step 4: Draw the image: Extend the reflected ray behind the mirror, and draw the object's image as a symmetric copy across the mirror surface.