Question

In an experiment designed to measure the speed of light, a laser is aimed at a mirror that is 47.0 km due north. A detector is placed 119 m due east of the laser. The mirror is to be aligned so that light from the laser reflects into the detector.(a) When properly aligned, what angle should the normal to the surface of the mirror make with due south?

Answer 1

Answer:

The incidence angle is 0.145°.

Explanation:

Given that,

Distance due to east = 119 m

Distance due to north= 47.0 km

We need to calculate the incidence angle

Using formula of incidence angle

$\tan\theta=\dfrac{x}{y}$

Where, y = distance due to north

x = distance due to east

Put the value into the formula

$\theta=\tan^{-1}\dfrac{119}{47\times10^3}$

$\theta=0.145^{\circ}$

Hence, The incidence angle is 0.145°.