Question

question 23 of 25
when describing image formation for plane mirrors, what is an important rule to remember about light rays?
a. the angle is smaller in the medium that has the lower index of refraction.
b. the angle when it leaves is larger than the angle when it hits.
c. the angle is smaller in the medium that has the higher index of refraction.
d. the angle when it leaves is the same as the angle when it hits.

Explanation:

For plane - mirror reflection, the law of reflection states that the angle of incidence (the angle at which the light ray hits the mirror) is equal to the angle of reflection (the angle at which the light ray leaves the mirror). This is a fundamental rule in geometric optics for plane - mirror image formation. Options A and C pertain to refraction (change of direction of light when passing from one medium to another), not reflection. Option B is incorrect as there is no such general rule for reflection in plane mirrors.

Answer:

D. The angle when it leaves is the same as the angle when it hits.