Questions: Problem 23.086 - A scuba diver with an underwater spotlight - DEPENDENT MULTI-PART PROBLEM - ASSIGN ALL PARTS
A scuba diver in a lake aims her underwater spotlight at the lake surface.
Problem 23.086.a - 2 - The direction of the reflected beam
If the beam makes a 57.8° angle with respect to the normal to the surface, then what angle does the reflected beam make with respect to the normal to the surface? If there is no reflected beam then enter 0 .
Transcript text: Problem 23.086 - A scuba diver with an underwater spotlight - DEPENDENT MULTI-PART PROBLEM - ASSIGN ALL PARTS
A scuba diver in a lake aims her underwater spotlight at the lake surface.
Problem 23.086.a - 2 - The direction of the reflected beam
If the beam makes a $57.8^{\circ}$ angle with respect to the normal to the surface, then what angle does the reflected beam make with respect to the normal to the surface? If there is no reflected beam then enter 0 . $\square$ $\square^{\circ}$
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Understanding the Law of Reflection
The law of reflection states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. This means that if a light beam hits a surface at a certain angle with respect to the normal (perpendicular) to that surface, it will reflect off the surface at the same angle with respect to the normal.
Step 2: Identifying the Given Angle
The problem states that the beam makes a \(57.8^\circ\) angle with respect to the normal to the surface. This angle is known as the angle of incidence.
Step 3: Applying the Law of Reflection
According to the law of reflection, the angle of reflection will be equal to the angle of incidence. Therefore, if the angle of incidence is \(57.8^\circ\), the angle of reflection will also be \(57.8^\circ\).
Final Answer
The angle that the reflected beam makes with respect to the normal to the surface is:
\[
\boxed{57.8^\circ}
\]