Addressing some issues of Ray Optics on the basis of the newly discovered generalized vectorial laws of reflection and refraction

This paper addresses a few issues concerning Ray Optics on the basis of the newly discovered generalized vectorial laws of reflection and refraction. Along with confirming the validity of the principle of reversibility of light, the present study confirms the existing relationship between object distance and image distance in case of reflection by a plane mirror. General novel relations between real distance and apparent distance in case of image formation due to refraction also resulted from the present study. Finally novel treatment has been offered to deal with the problem of refraction through a parallel-sided slab of a refracting material on the basis of the aforesaid generalized vectorial law of refraction. (C) 2013 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.