Image formation in Spherical Mirrors

Rules for spherical mirror to form an image.

Rule 1:-

A ray parallel to the principal axis, after reflection will pass through the principal focus in case of a concave mirror or appear to diverge from the principal focus in case of a convex mirror.

Rule 2:-

A ray passing through the principal focus of a concave mirror or a ray which is directed towards the principal focus of a convex mirror, after reflection, will emerge parallel to the principal axis .

Rule 3:-

A ray passing through the center of curvature of a concave mirror or directed in the direction of the center of curvature of a convex mirror, after reflection is reflected back along the same path.

Rule 4:-

A ray incident obliquely to the principal axis, towards a point P [pole of the mirror], on the concave mirror or a convex mirror is obliquely. The incident and reflected rays follow the laws of reflection at the point of incidence [point P] making equal angles with the principal axis.

Uses of Concave mirror:-

1. torches

2. search lights

3. vehicles head lights

4. shaving mirrors—>to see larger image of the face.

5. mirrors used by dentists

6. mirrors used in solar panels—>to concentrate light to produce heat.

Uses of Convex mirrors:-

1. Rear view mirrors in vehicles

2. used on the hairpin bends