I wanted some opinions or confirmation about some results of an optics experiment some of our freshman devised.
In the first part, students were tasked with proving the inverse square lab using a Pasco light meter and a standard ray box. No problems - reasonable and expected results were obtained by varying the distance.
Student were then asked to devise their own experiments to test inverse square law. Two groups decided to measure the intensity of reflected light from a plane mirror as a function of distance. They were puzzled (as was their teacher) with very linear results. At this time, I believe the groups did a reasonable job taking measurements.
There is surprisingly little about this effect on any physics site, but some photography sites confirm the effect without explanation.
Best explanation I could give was that the mirror was not functioning as a point source any longer and was producing effectively parallel wave fronts.
Any ideas?
Scott
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Scott Goelzer
Physics, Engineering, & Chemistry
Coe-Brown Northwood Academy
Northwood NH
sgoelzer@coebrown.org
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