Final answer:
Side mirrors need to provide a clear view of the roadway to the rear typically for a distance of 200 feet. To see the back of your head, at least two mirrors arranged properly are needed. Optical resolution of headlights involves angular resolution, which depends on light's wavelength and pupil diameter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student's question about side mirrors doesn't entirely match the provided reference information, which deals with mirror arrangements for seeing the back of one's head and optical resolution related to car headlights and eyesight. However, addressing the student's question generally, in most jurisdictions, the law requires that side mirrors on a vehicle provide a clear view of the roadway to the rear typically for a distance of 200 feet.
To see the back of your head, the minimum number of mirrors needed is two. The mirrors must be positioned at an angle so that the reflection from one can be seen in the other, effectively allowing you to see the back of your head.
As for the optical resolution of car headlights, the ability to resolve two separate points of light, such as headlights, depends on the angular resolution of the human eye and the distance between the lights. The detailed calculations for these questions often involve using the Rayleigh criterion and considering the wavelength of light alongside the diameter of the pupil.