Explanation Consider the following figure. Figure (1) The Fermat’s principle states that the light travels between two points along the path that requires the least time as compare to other nearby paths. It is used in the derivation of the law of reflection. Time taken by the light ray to travel from point A to B is, t = h 1 2 + x 2 c + h 2 2 + ( d − x ) 2 c To minimize the time, set the derivative of the time with respect to x equal to zero. d t d x = 0 Substitute h 1 2 + x 2 c + h 2 2 + ( d − x ) 2 c for t in above equation, d d x ( h 1 2 + x 2 c + h 2 2 + ( d − x ) 2 c ) = 0 x c h 1 2 + x 2 </

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology Update (No access codes included)

9th Edition

ISBN: 9781305116399

Author: Raymond A. Serway, John W. Jewett

Publisher: Cengage Learning

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Chapter 35, Problem 35.85CP

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The law of reflection by using the Fermat’s principle.

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Chapter 35 Solutions

Physics for Scientists and Engineers, Technology Update (No access codes included)

Ch. 35 - Prob. 35.1QQ Ch. 35 - If beam is the incoming beam in Figure 34.10b,...Ch. 35 - Light passes from a material with index of...Ch. 35 - In photography, lenses in a camera use refraction...Ch. 35 - Prob. 35.5QQ Ch. 35 - In each of the following situations, a wave passes...Ch. 35 - A source emits monochromatic light of wavelength...Ch. 35 - Carbon disulfide (n = 1.63) is poured into a...Ch. 35 - A light wave moves between medium 1 and medium 2....Ch. 35 - What happens to a light wave when it travels from...

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The law of reflection by using the Fermat’s principle.

Solution Summary: The author explains how the Fermat's principle states that the light travels between two points along the path that requires the least time as compare to other nearby paths.

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