Field of view of cylindrical mirrors

In summary, the conversation discusses the field of view of a cylindrical driving mirror, which has a radius of 10 cm and a length of 10 cm over the curved surface. The question asks for the field of view in radians, assuming the driver is at a great distance from the mirror. The conversation also includes a related question about the difference between two angles of reflection for a laser pointer shined on the mirror's edges. The suggested solution involves treating each point on the edge as an individual plane mirror and using geometry to solve the problem.
  • #1
Amith2006
427
2
Sir,
A driving mirror consists of a cylindrical mirror of radius 10 cm and the length over the curved surface is 10 cm. If the of the driver be assumed to be at a great distance from the mirror, what is the field of view of the mirror in radian?
I don’t have any idea about cylindrical mirrors. Could you please give a hint on how to solve this problem?
 
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  • #2
I think this question could be expresses a little more clearly.

We have a rear view mirror on a car. (This took me a while to figure out. I thought it was about some kind of optical resonator :rolleyes: ). The distance, measured horizontally ON the surface of the mirror is 10cm. If it formed a cylinder it would have a radius of 10cm. I person is standing 25 ft behind the car. They pull a laser pointer out of their pocket and shine it on the left edge of the rear view mirror. The light reflects at angle theta1. They then shine it on the right side of the mirror and the light reflects at an angle theta2. What is the difference between theta1 and theta2??
 
  • #3
Never mind that it is a cylindrical mirror. Treat each point on the edge of the mirror, where the light is reflected, as an individual plane mirror. Solve it using geometry (unless someone here can suggest a better method).
 
  • #4
Also, if the incoming beam is said to have an angle of zero radians, then

|theta1-theta2| = |2 * theta1| = |2*theta2|
 
  • #5
A circular arc has length L = [itex]\theta[/itex] R, where [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle subtending the arc and R is the radius.

A full circle has circumference = 2[itex]\pi[/itex] R. The circumference is subtended by the angle 2[itex]\pi[/itex].
 
  • #6
Astronuc said:
A circular arc has length L = [itex]\theta[/itex] R, where [itex]\theta[/itex] is the angle subtending the arc and R is the radius.

A full circle has circumference = 2[itex]\pi[/itex] R. The circumference is subtended by the angle 2[itex]\pi[/itex].
Could you please explain in bit more detail?
 

Related to Field of view of cylindrical mirrors

1. What is the field of view of a cylindrical mirror?

The field of view of a cylindrical mirror refers to the angular extent of the surrounding space that can be seen through the mirror when looking straight ahead.

2. How is the field of view of a cylindrical mirror determined?

The field of view of a cylindrical mirror is determined by the curvature and size of the mirror. A wider and more curved mirror will have a larger field of view compared to a smaller and less curved mirror.

3. What is the difference between the field of view of a convex and concave cylindrical mirror?

The field of view of a convex cylindrical mirror is wider compared to a concave cylindrical mirror. This is because the convex mirror curves outwards, allowing for a larger viewing area, while the concave mirror curves inwards, limiting the field of view.

4. How does the position of an object affect the field of view of a cylindrical mirror?

The position of an object relative to the cylindrical mirror can affect the field of view. Objects that are further away from the mirror will have a smaller field of view compared to objects that are closer to the mirror.

5. Can the field of view of a cylindrical mirror be adjusted?

Yes, the field of view of a cylindrical mirror can be adjusted by changing the curvature or size of the mirror. This can be done by physically altering the mirror or by using additional lenses or mirrors to manipulate the field of view.

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