[Math] Finding the equation of reflected ray for given ray

3dvectors

A ray is sent along the line $\frac{x-0}{2}=\frac{y-2}{2}=\frac{z-1}{0}$ and is reflected by the plane $x=0$ at point $A$. Find the coordinates of $A$ and equation of the reflected ray.

I found coordinates of point $A$ as $(0,2,1)$. Could someone now help me with the concept of finding reflected ray in $3$-D?

Best Answer

Assuming the incident ray is coming from the negative side of the plane $x=0$.

Parametric equation of incident ray is $$\mathbf{r}(t)=(0,2,1)+t(2,2,0)$$ where $t\in (-\infty,0]$.

The incident ray passes through $(0,2,1)$ which is on the reflecting plane. That's the point of incidence.

The reflected ray is just simply reverse the $x$-component of the tangent vector.

So the reflected ray is $$\mathbf{r}(t)=(0,2,1)+t(-2,2,0)$$ where $t\in [0,\infty)$.

Related Question