Question

How many images of the candle will be formed if it is placed between the two parallel plane mirrors separated by \[40\;{\rm{cm}}\]?
A. one
B. Two
C. Less than forty
D. Less than twenty
E. Infinite

Answer 1

Hint:The above problem can be resolved by using the concept of multiple reflection. In this phenomenon, the light rays undergo reflection from source to the detector several times. This leads to the formation of image for the several time as the reflection takes place.

Complete step by step answer:
Given:
The separation between the plane mirrors is given as, \[d = 40\;{\rm{cm}}\].
When the two plane mirrors are placed at specific distances, such that the candle is placed between the mirrors, then an infinite number of images will be formed. This is because due to the phenomenon of multiple reflection. One of the mirrors will reflect the light rays coming from the candle and form the image on the other mirror. Now, this particular image will behave like an object and again forms an image on the opposite mirror. This process continues for the number of times and is called the multiple reflection. Hence, in this way the infinite number of images of the candle is going to form.
Therefore, for the given condition the infinite number of images are formed and option E is correct.

Note: In order to resolve the given problem, one must be aware of the concepts of the reflection, along with the types of reflection, that may take place in an event. Moreover, the fundamentals of the multiple reflection is to be clear, along with its significance and applications and the cases of the formation of the image due to multiple reflections is also to be analysed firmly.