Constructing the Catacaustic of a Circle for Parallel Rays

A light source at infinite distance from the circle produces some parallel light rays (in yellow). The rays are reflected by the circle. If the rays have more than one intersection point with the circle, they are reflected at both points. The reflected rays and their continuations are shown in light blue. Definition: The envelope of the reflected rays by the circle is called the [i]catacaustic [/i]of the circle (also - caustic).

 

Irina Boyadzhiev

 
Resource Type
Activity
Tags
catacaustic  circle  parallel  rays 
Target Group (Age)
19+
Language
English (United States)
 
 
 
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