Concepts of Concave and Convex Mirrors

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to concave and convex mirrors, including definitions and characteristics significant for understanding optics.

Concave Mirror

A mirror that curves inward, reflecting light to a focal point.

Convex Mirror

A mirror that bulges outward, diverging light rays and producing a virtual image.

Focal Length (f)

The distance from the mirror's surface to its focal point, where parallel rays converge.

Magnification (m)

The ratio of the height of the image to the height of the object, used to describe image size.

Real Image

An image formed by converging light rays that can be projected on a screen.

Virtual Image

An image that appears to be located behind the mirror and cannot be projected on a screen.

Radius of Curvature (R)

The radius of the sphere from which the mirror is a part; R = 2f (focal length).

Image Distance (V)

The distance from the mirror to the image formed.

Object Distance (u)

The distance from the mirror to the object being reflected.

Characteristics of Concave Mirrors

Form real, inverted images when the object is beyond the focal length; form virtual, erect images when the object is between the focal point and mirror.

Characteristics of Convex Mirrors

Always form virtual, erect, and diminished images regardless of object distance.

Use of Concave Mirrors

Used in applications like torches, searchlights, vehicle headlights, shaving mirrors, and dental equipment.

Lateral Displacement

The distance between the original path of an incident ray and the emergent ray after refraction.

Law of Reflection

States that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Refractive Index

A measure of how much light slows down in a medium compared to a vacuum.