Chapter 4: Problem 13

The direction of light can be changed by ________. (1) a plane mirror (2) a piece of paper (3) a stone (4) All the above.

Short Answer

Expert verified

1. A plane mirror 2. A piece of paper 3. A stone 4. All the above Answer: 4. All the above

Step by step solution

Understand the interaction of light with objects

First, it's necessary to understand how light interacts with various objects. Light can be absorbed, transmitted or reflected by objects, depending on their properties.

Analyzing option (1): A Plane Mirror

A plane mirror is a flat, smooth reflective surface that reflects light back into space. When light hits the mirror, it is reflected, following the law of reflection. This means the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. In this case, the direction of light is changed. So, a plane mirror can indeed change the direction of light.

Analyzing option (2): A Piece of Paper

A piece of paper is not a smooth surface, and it is not highly reflective. When light hits the paper, some light may be absorbed, some may be transmitted through the paper, and some may be reflected randomly in different directions due to the uneven surface. Although the direction of light changes partially due to the reflections, it's not as significant as in the case of a plane mirror. However, we can still say that a piece of paper changes the direction of light, though not in a well-defined manner like a plane mirror.

Analyzing option (3): A Stone

A stone has an irregular surface, and it may also absorb a significant amount of light, depending on its color and texture. However, some light can be reflected by the stone, resulting in a change of direction, similar to the case with a piece of paper. Although the change of direction may not be well-defined and uniform, a stone does change the direction of light.

Conclusion

Considering the properties of all the given objects, it can be concluded that all of them can change the direction of light to some extent. Therefore, the correct answer is (4) All the above.

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The direction of light can be changed by ________. (1) a plane mirror (2) a piece of paper (3) a stone (4) All the above.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand the interaction of light with objects

Analyzing option (1): A Plane Mirror

Analyzing option (2): A Piece of Paper

Analyzing option (3): A Stone

Conclusion

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