Chapter 13, Problem 5RAT

To see your full image in a mirror on the wall, the minimum height of the mirror is

(a) at least one-quarter your height.

(b) half your height.

(c) the same as your height.

(d) dependent on your distance from the mirror.

To determine

The correct option for the statement, "To see the full image in a mirror on the wall, the minimum height of the mirror is."

Answer to Problem 5RAT

The correct option for the statement, "To see the full image in a mirror on the wall, the minimum height of the mirror" is option (b).

Explanation of Solution

A mirror is a surface that reflects the light entirely back, when it falls on the mirror. The surface does not absorb the lights and result in the generation of the image. When a person stands in front of a flat mirror located on the wall, the image of a person can be seen on the mirror.

In order to see the full image of the person, the length of the mirror should have a minimum half of the height of the person. That is if the height of the person is . The length of the mirror should be so that the person can see a full image. It is because of the law of reflection, where the angle of incidence and reflection are the same. It is not dependent on the distance of the person from the mirror.

Conclusion:

The correct option for the statement, "To see the full image in a mirror on the wall, the minimum height of the mirror" is option (b).