Question

Figure 34-33 shows an overhead view of a corridor with a plane mirror $\mathbf{\text{M}}$mounted at one end. A burglar $\mathbf{\text{B}}$sneaks along the corridor directly toward the center of the mirror. If$\mathit{d}\mathbf{=}\mathbf{3}\mathbf{}\mathbf{\text{m}}$, how far from the mirror will she from the mirror when the security guard$\mathbf{\text{S}}$can first see her in the mirror?

Short answer

The distance of the burglar from the mirror when the security guard $\text{S}$can first see her in the mirror is $1.5\text{m}$.

Step-by-step solution

Identification of the given data

The given data is listed as follows,

The value of$d$ is $3\text{m}$.

Description of the law of reflection

The law states that when light falls upon a plane surface it is so reflected that the angle of reflection is the same as that of the angle of incidence and that the incident ray, reflected ray, and normal ray all lie in the plane of incidence.

Determination of the distance of the burglar from the mirror when the security guard  can first see her in the mirror.

When the security guard is barely able to see $\text{B}$, the light rays from$\text{B}$ must reflect to $\text{S}$off the edge of the mirror.