Chapter 39, Problem 39.12CQ

(i) An object is plated at a position p > f from a concave mirror as shown in Figure CQ39.12a, where f is the focal length of the mirror. In a finite time interval, the object is moved to the right to a position at the focal point F of the mirror. Show that the image of the object moves at a speed greater than the speed of light. (ii) A laser pointer is suspended in a horizontal plane and set into rapid rotation as shown in Figure CQ39 12b. Show that the spot of light it produces on a distant screen can move across the screen at a speed greater than the speed of light. (If you carry out this experiment. make sure the direct laser light cannot enter a person's eyes.) (iii) Argue that the experiments in parts (i) and (ii) do not invalidate the principle that no material, no energy, and no information can move faster than light moves in a vacuum.

Figure CQ39.12