Physics: Principles and Problems

Chapter 17: Reflection and Mirrors

Problem of the Week

<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=gif::::/sites/dl/free/0078458137/193800/ch18_title.gif','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (0.0K)</a>
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<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=gif::::/sites/dl/free/0078458137/193800/POWproblem1.gif','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (0.0K)</a> Students should diagram a craft that has a parabolic bottom that will focus the laser beam into a concentrated spot.

The actual design use two reflections. First, to bounce the beam to the sides, and then the sides reflect the beam into the propulsion chamber.

The front of the craft should be aerodynamic in design.
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Lightcraft Diagram

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Lightcraft Photo with nickel as scale reference
 
<a onClick="window.open('/olcweb/cgi/pluginpop.cgi?it=gif::::/sites/dl/free/0078458137/193800/POWproblem2.gif','popWin', 'width=NaN,height=NaN,resizable,scrollbars');" href="#"><img valign="absmiddle" height="16" width="16" border="0" src="/olcweb/styles/shared/linkicons/image.gif"> (0.0K)</a> The spinning stabilizes the craft similar to how a spinning top resists falling over. The spinning craft will now stay in the path of the laser longer rather than veering off to the side. Eventually, the craft may be equipped with lateral thrusters to help keep the craft over the laser.
 
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