Grade 9

Grade 9Lighting and OpticsReflection of light


Image formation by concave and convex mirrors


Introduction to mirrors

In the study of optics, mirrors are surfaces that form images by reflecting light. There are two main types of spherical mirrors: concave and convex.

Concave mirror

The shape of a concave mirror is like a portion of the inner surface of a sphere. It is also called a converging mirror because it converges the light to a point.

Main focus

The principal focus of a concave mirror is the point where parallel light rays meet after reflecting from the mirror. It is located in front of the mirror.

Focal length and radius of curvature

The focal length (f) is the distance between the mirror's surface and its principal focus. The radius of curvature (R) is the distance between the center of curvature and the mirror's surface.

For a concave mirror, the relation is given as:

        F = R / 2
    

Ray diagram for concave mirrors

Ray diagrams help in understanding the image formation by a concave mirror. The steps to draw a ray diagram are as follows:

Example 1: Object beyond the center of curvature

Place an object beyond the centre of curvature. The image formed will be real, inverted and diminished.

C F object image

Convex mirror

The shape of a convex mirror is like a portion of the outer surface of a sphere. It is also called a diverging mirror because it diverges the light rays.

Main focus

The principal focus for a convex mirror is the point from which the reflected rays appear to diverge.

Image attributes

The image formed by a convex mirror is always virtual, erect and smaller than the real object.

Ray diagram for convex mirrors

Follow the following steps to draw a ray diagram for a convex mirror:

Example 2: Object placed in front of a mirror

An object placed in front of a convex mirror forms a virtual image, which appears reduced and erect behind the mirror.

C F object image

Mirror formula and magnification

Use the mirror formula to calculate the location and size of the image:

        1/F = 1/V + 1/U
    

Here, f is the focal length, v is the distance of the image from the mirror, and u is the distance of the object.

The magnification (m) of the mirror is given by:

        m = -v/u
    

The negative sign for magnification indicates inversion and positive sign indicates direct nature.

Practical uses of concave and convex mirrors

Concave mirrors are often used in telescopes, reflector headlights, and shaving mirrors because of their magnification property. Convex mirrors are used in side mirrors of vehicles and safety mirrors in shops because they provide a wider field of view.


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