Question

An attraction at a circus features a “Cube of Mirrors”. This is a cubical building of dimension 10ft on each side. The floor, walls and ceiling are all made from highly polished mirror. When you go inside this unusual structure, you stand in one corner of the room with your back against the wall and shine a small hand-held laser pointer from a height of 4 ft above the ground. You shine this laser beam at a spot on the floor and the beam bounces around the room after it hits the floor. In each of the cases described below state where the beam first strikes the ceiling of the room. Clearly explain your answers, showing your work and drawing diagrams or giving written descriptions to illustrate the path of the beam.

a) You shine the beam at a spot 1 ft in front of you and 2 ft to your right.

b) You shine the beam at a spot 4 ft in front of you and 2 ft to your right.

c) You shine the beam at a spot 3 ft in front of you and 5 ft to your right.

Answer 1