How many images are obtained when plane mirrors are arranged parallel to each other?a)A single imageb)Two imagesc)Infinite number of imagesd)Zero imageCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

When two mirrors are kept parallel to each other, an infinite number of images can be seen.

Answer

Option C is correct .

This is because each reflection absorbs light rays and then the reflected ray of one mirror acts as the incident ray of another mirror and this process goes on forming infinite number of images.

Or

N = (360 degree/ theta) – 1

Since the total angle between to mirror is 0

Hence,

N = (360 degree/ 0) – 1 = infinity

Hence, when we place two mirrors opposite each other then it will form the total images in infinity.

Answer

Parallel arrangement of plane mirrors results in an infinite number of images. Let's understand this concept in detail:

Explanation:
When two plane mirrors are arranged parallel to each other, a fascinating optical phenomenon known as multiple reflections occurs. This phenomenon leads to the formation of an infinite number of images.

Key Points:

1. Formation of Images:
- When an object is placed in front of one mirror, it reflects the light rays coming from the object.
- These reflected rays then fall onto the second mirror, which reflects them again.
- The process of reflection continues indefinitely between the two mirrors.
- Each reflection produces a new image, and these images are formed at regular intervals.

2. Virtual Images:
- The images formed in plane mirrors are virtual images, meaning they cannot be projected onto a screen.
- These images can only be seen by an observer looking into the mirrors.
- Virtual images appear to be behind the mirror and have the same size as the object.

3. Infinite Distance:
- As the two mirrors are parallel to each other, the reflected rays never converge or diverge.
- The rays continue to reflect back and forth, maintaining the same angle of incidence and reflection.
- Therefore, the images formed by the multiple reflections appear to extend infinitely in both directions.

4. Regularly Spaced Images:
- The distance between each image formed by the multiple reflections remains constant.
- The spacing between the images depends on the angle of incidence of the light rays and the distance between the mirrors.
- The formula used to calculate the spacing between the images is: spacing = (distance between mirrors) / (1 - 2 x angle of incidence).

Conclusion:
When plane mirrors are arranged parallel to each other, an infinite number of virtual images are formed due to multiple reflections. These images are regularly spaced and extend infinitely in both directions. This property of parallel mirrors is utilized in various optical devices such as kaleidoscopes and periscopes.

Top Courses for Class 8View all

Science Class 8

Social Studies (SST) Class 8

Mathematics (Maths) Class 8

Science Curiosity Class 8 - New NCERT

Social Science Class 8 - New NCERT

Top Courses for Class 8

Top Courses for Class 8

Related Content

Class 8 Study Material

Class 8 Subjects

Competitive Examinations for Class 8

NCERT Solutions

Reference Books for Class 8

Other Popular Exams

Company