When two panes of glass are placed face to face, four interior reflective surfaces exist, labeled 1, 2, 3, and 4. If light is not reflected, it has just one path through the glass (see the figure below). If it has one reflection, it can be reflected in two ways. If it has two reflections, it can be reflected in three ways. Use this information to answer parts (a) through (c).

(a) If a ray is reflected three times, there are five paths it can follow. Show the paths.

(b) If a ray is reflected four times, there are eight paths it can follow. Show the paths.

(c) How many paths can a ray follow if it is reflected five times? Explain how you determined your answer.

Transcribed Image Text:

21 O reflections 1 path 1 reflection 2 paths 2 reflections 3 paths