PHYSICS 3LC LAB 3 REVIEW QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE 2025-2026
state and explain which of the two methods (compass reading vs. distance measurement) is
more accurate - Answers The meter stick provides a more accurate measurement between the
two methods of measurement. The compass only expresses whole number degree values while
the meter stick allows for a closer, more precise measurement (nearest 0.1 cm) thus allowing
for a more accurate θ bench.
Can you conclude from your results whether the mirror is a perfect specular reflector and why? -
Answers In order to be considered a perfect specular reflector, a surface must have an angle of
incidence equal to the angle of reflection (i=r) or in other words, θmirror=1/2 θbench. Therefore
based on our results, we cannot conclude whether the mirror is a perfect specular reflector
because our data does not show the relationship θmirror=1/2 θbench.
Is the white card an ideal diffuse reflector? - Answers White card does not seem to have the
properties of an ideal diffuse reflector, rather it seems to behave more as a diffuser, it will have
low reflection and high scatter.
Comparing the single loop signal to the double loop signal, can you conclude that there is no
loss of intensity from bending or at least the difference is not significant? - Answers the
intensity of the two loop coil is actually 6mV higher than the single loop coil. However, this is
less than a 5% difference thus it is not significant
Note the image patterns observed at α » 0 and α » 30 . Explain the observed patterns - Answers
at α » 0 no internal reflection is occurring, so a full signal is transmitted. At α » 30 , there is some
internal reflection occurring, which is observed as the dark spot inside the circle outline.
what enables us to see objects - Answers reflection
what is a reflector - Answers an object that reflects light that falls upon it
what is a specular reflector - Answers a smooth (like mirror) reflecting surface
what is a diffuse reflector - Answers a rough (like paper) reflecting surface
what is the angle of incident - Answers the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the
mirror at the point of incidence
what is the angle of reflection - Answers The angle formed between the reflected ray and
normal
what rules does specular reflection follow - Answers 1. the angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection
2. the incident ray, the normal, and the reflected ray all lie in the same plane
how can specular reflectors be used to form images - Answers specular reflectors can be used
state and explain which of the two methods (compass reading vs. distance measurement) is
more accurate - Answers The meter stick provides a more accurate measurement between the
two methods of measurement. The compass only expresses whole number degree values while
the meter stick allows for a closer, more precise measurement (nearest 0.1 cm) thus allowing
for a more accurate θ bench.
Can you conclude from your results whether the mirror is a perfect specular reflector and why? -
Answers In order to be considered a perfect specular reflector, a surface must have an angle of
incidence equal to the angle of reflection (i=r) or in other words, θmirror=1/2 θbench. Therefore
based on our results, we cannot conclude whether the mirror is a perfect specular reflector
because our data does not show the relationship θmirror=1/2 θbench.
Is the white card an ideal diffuse reflector? - Answers White card does not seem to have the
properties of an ideal diffuse reflector, rather it seems to behave more as a diffuser, it will have
low reflection and high scatter.
Comparing the single loop signal to the double loop signal, can you conclude that there is no
loss of intensity from bending or at least the difference is not significant? - Answers the
intensity of the two loop coil is actually 6mV higher than the single loop coil. However, this is
less than a 5% difference thus it is not significant
Note the image patterns observed at α » 0 and α » 30 . Explain the observed patterns - Answers
at α » 0 no internal reflection is occurring, so a full signal is transmitted. At α » 30 , there is some
internal reflection occurring, which is observed as the dark spot inside the circle outline.
what enables us to see objects - Answers reflection
what is a reflector - Answers an object that reflects light that falls upon it
what is a specular reflector - Answers a smooth (like mirror) reflecting surface
what is a diffuse reflector - Answers a rough (like paper) reflecting surface
what is the angle of incident - Answers the angle between the incident ray and the normal to the
mirror at the point of incidence
what is the angle of reflection - Answers The angle formed between the reflected ray and
normal
what rules does specular reflection follow - Answers 1. the angle of incidence is equal to the
angle of reflection
2. the incident ray, the normal, and the reflected ray all lie in the same plane
how can specular reflectors be used to form images - Answers specular reflectors can be used
