| Author | Comment |
operajester
Probe
Posted: 14 Dec 2008
13:09 GMT
Total Posts: 1 | I have a parabolic mirror and i need to figure out what function i need....i need to know what angle the light is coming at the parabolic mirror, when it curves, and when the light reaches your eye....how do i figure out what equation or function the light and the parabolic mirror is using?
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To invent, you need a good imagination and a pile of junk. |
me2
Goliath
Posted: 15 Dec 2008
12:00 GMT
Total Posts: 171 | You have to begin by finding the angle of the light entering the mirror. you also need to determine a quadratic equation for the mirror itself by holding it over a Cartesian plane. Of course, this will only give you a rough idea, but it will be pretty close. The light will curve exactly when it hits the mirror, and as far as time is concerned, use light speed (i.e. the light travels 2 feet to hit the mirror + 2 feet after that before reaching your eye=4 feet so it would take 4/(186000*5280=982080000)=0.000000004 seconds. Of course, this is only an example so you would need to find the exact distance. I recommend getting info on how to use calculus to find the length of a curve for your light bending around the mirror, as that would be the most efficient method.
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<--- Going out with a bang. |
