Ray optics of the plane mirror

Authors

  • Pavel Leischner Pedagogical Faculty, University of South Bohemia, České Budějovice

Abstract

The image of a point by a flat mirror is usually derived only in the plane of incidence. When constructing the image, however, we sometimes draw the rays that do not belong to the plane of incidence. The article analyzes shortcomings of such a procedure and offers remedies.

In the second part of the article is solved the paradox of a person who is observed in a mirror suspended on the wall is solved. When interpreting the pupils, we deduce that part of his body formed by reflection does not depend on the subject distance. But the mirror usually does not hang vertically. As a result, a person sees a greater part of the body from a greater distance.

Published

2025-08-29

How to Cite

Leischner, P. (2025). Ray optics of the plane mirror. MATHEMATICS–PHYSICS–INFORMATICS, 34(3), 203–210. Retrieved from https://www.mfi.upol.cz/index.php/mfi/article/view/1004

Issue

Section

Physics