Calculating Angle Deflection in Laser-Mirror Interactions

In summary, the angle of incidence of a laser beam is always equal to the angle of reflection when it reflects off a mirror, according to the law of reflection. The angle of reflection can be calculated using the formula θr = θi. The angle of a mirror can significantly impact the path of a laser beam, and different types of mirrors (concave and convex) will have different effects on the angle of incidence and reflection. The angle of a laser beam can also be changed by adjusting the angle of the mirror.
  • #1
BuBbLeS01
602
0
Mirror and laser beam angle...please help!

Homework Statement


The mirror deflects a horizontal laser beam by θ=59°. What is the angle φ?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


I don't understand this. How am I supposed to figure out φ?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
I assume φ is the angle of incidence.

Have you drawn a diagram?

What have you drawn … ? :smile:
 
  • #3
I have the beam being reflected with lines drawn the upper left and lower left
 
  • #4
You haven't told us where you've put the 59º in, nor where you've marked φ.

So … where are they?

Anyway, how much are the upper left and lower left angles? :smile:
 

FAQ: Calculating Angle Deflection in Laser-Mirror Interactions

What is the relationship between the angle of a mirror and the angle of a laser beam?

The angle of incidence (incoming angle) of a laser beam is equal to the angle of reflection (outgoing angle) of the beam when it reflects off a mirror. This is known as the law of reflection and is true for all angles of incidence.

How do you calculate the angle of reflection for a laser beam off a mirror?

The angle of reflection can be calculated using the formula: θr = θi, where θr is the angle of reflection and θi is the angle of incidence. This means that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence.

Can the angle of a mirror affect the path of a laser beam?

Yes, the angle of a mirror plays a crucial role in determining the path of a laser beam. A small change in the angle of the mirror can result in a significant change in the direction of the reflected beam.

What is the difference between a concave and convex mirror in terms of laser beam angles?

A concave mirror curves inward and can focus a laser beam to a point, while a convex mirror curves outward and causes the laser beam to spread out. The angle of incidence and reflection will also differ between the two types of mirrors.

Can the angle of a laser beam be changed after it reflects off a mirror?

Yes, the angle of a laser beam can be changed by adjusting the angle of the mirror. By changing the angle of the mirror, the angle of incidence and reflection will also change, resulting in a different path for the laser beam.

Similar threads

Angle of Deflection of Laser Given Tilted Mirror
Replies
10
Views
4K
What would the angle φ be for this deflected laser beam?
Replies
8
Views
7K
How to Calculate Relative Uncertainties for Laser Beam Waist and Divergence?
Replies
1
Views
1K
How do I calculate the fluence of a Gaussian Laser Beam?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Number of Photons inside a Laser Cavity
Replies
5
Views
2K
Beam Divergence from non-circular laser beam
Replies
2
Views
1K
Uncertainty in the energy of a laser beam
Replies
18
Views
3K
Calculating Mirror Mass Using Laser Force
Replies
6
Views
3K
The collimated parallel beam of a LASER
Replies
4
Views
1K
Mirror: refractive index and thickness
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top