A student investigated the reflection of light by a plane mirror using a ray box. For four different angles of incidence, they measured the angle of reflection over four repeated trials.
Their results are shown in the table below:
Angle of incidenceTest 1Test 2Test 3Test 425∘24∘27∘25∘24∘35∘36∘33∘37∘34∘45∘47∘44∘46∘43∘55∘61∘53∘57∘49∘ \begin{array}{|c|c|c|c|c|} \hline \text{Angle of incidence} & \text{Test 1} & \text{Test 2} & \text{Test 3} & \text{Test 4} \\ \hline 25^\circ & 24^\circ & 27^\circ & 25^\circ & 24^\circ \\ \hline 35^\circ & 36^\circ & 33^\circ & 37^\circ & 34^\circ \\ \hline 45^\circ & 47^\circ & 44^\circ & 46^\circ & 43^\circ \\ \hline 55^\circ & 61^\circ & 53^\circ & 57^\circ & 49^\circ \\ \hline \end{array} Angle of incidence25∘35∘45∘55∘Test 124∘36∘47∘61∘Test 227∘33∘44∘53∘Test 325∘37∘46∘57∘Test 424∘34∘43∘49∘What type of scientific error has caused the measured angles of reflection to have a range of values for each angle of incidence?
Suggest one practical reason why this error occurred during this investigation.
Estimate the uncertainty in the angle of reflection when the angle of incidence is 55∘55^\circ55∘. Show how you determine your estimate.
Explain how the data in the table supports the conclusion that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, using calculated values from the table to support your explanation.
State one change the student should make to the apparatus if they want to use the same method to investigate diffuse reflection.