10.2 Spherical mirrors

Spherical mirrors

Mirrors having curved reflecting surface are called spherical mirrors [spherical mirrors are a part of sphere].

Types of Spherical mirrors

1.Concave mirror

2.Convex Mirror.

Spherical mirrors

Mirrors having curved reflecting surface are called spherical mirrors [spherical mirrors are a part of sphere].

Types of Spherical mirrors

1.Concave mirror

2.Convex Mirror.

Concave mirror

Spherical mirror with reflecting surface inwards is called concave mirror. Also called a converging mirror.

Convex Mirror

Spherical mirror with reflecting surface curved outwards is called convex mirror. Also called a diverging mirror.

Pole

The center of reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is known as pole. pole lies on the spherical mirror. pole is represented by P.

Centre of Curvature

The center of sphere of which the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is a part ; is called the the center of curvature. The center of curvature is denoted by the letter C.

Radius of Curvature

The distance between the center of curvature and the pole is called the radius of curvature. The radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is denoted by letter R

Aperture

The diameter of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is called aperture.

Principal Axis

Imaginary line which passes through the center of curvature and pole of a spherical mirror is called the Principal axis.

Focus/Principal Focus

Point on Principal axis at which all parallel rays; coming from infinity; converge or appear to converge after reflection is called the focus or the principal focus of the spherical mirror. Focus is represented by letter F.

Focal length

The distance from pole to principal focus is called focal length. Focal length is denoted by f

Formula of Focal length and radius of curvature

Focal length is equal to half of the radius of curvature. formulas i] R=2f ii] f = r/2