Physics of Everyday Phenomena
Physics of Everyday Phenomena
9th Edition
ISBN: 9781259894008
Author: W. Thomas Griffith, Juliet Brosing Professor
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education
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Chapter 17, Problem 1CQ
To determine

Whether the velocity of light changes on reflection.

Expert Solution & Answer
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Answer to Problem 1CQ

The velocity of light changes on reflection as the direction of motion changes.

Explanation of Solution

The velocity is a vector given by the rate of change of displacement. The speed of light is a constant.

As the light travels the direction of the velocity is towards the mirror. On reflection the speed remains the same as the speed of light is a constant. The direction however changes as the light is reflected. The light on reflection starts to move in the opposite direction which means that the direction of velocity also changes. Therefore, the velocity being a vector also changes.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the velocity of light changes on reflection, as the direction of motion changes.

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Physics of Everyday Phenomena

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