Describing Images formed by Plane & Curved Mirrors

Characteristics of Images

u Locationu The image may be closer to or farther from the mirror than the object

u The image may be the same distance from the mirror as the object

u Orientationu The image may be upright or inverted (upside-down)

u Sizeu The image may be larger than or smaller than the object

u The image may be the same size as the object

u Typeu The image may be real or virtual

Real vs Virtual Images

u Real imageu Formed by actual rays of light; where reflected rays meet

u In front of the mirror

u Virtual imageu Formed by extended rays; not actual rays of light

u Behind the mirror

Last week…plane mirrors

u Locationu Same distance

u Orientationu Upright

u Sizeu Same size

u Typeu Virtual

Curved Mirrors

u Images not identical to object

Types of Curved Mirrors

u ConvexuReflecting surface

curves outwards

u ConcaveuReflecting surface

curves inwards

Types of Curved Mirrors

u ConvexuReflecting surface

curves outwards

u ConcaveuReflecting surface

curves inwards

Images in Convex Mirrors

u Incoming parallel light rays diverge (spread out)

u Extended rays show image forms behind the mirroruActual light rays do not

meetuVirtual image

Incident Rays

Reflected Rays

Images in Convex Mirrors

u Location is always behind the mirror

u Image is virtual

u Image is smaller and upright

Convex Mirrors in Real Life

u Reflect light from large incoming areau Security mirrorsuCar side mirrors

Images in Concave Mirrors

u Incoming parallel light rays converge (come together)

u Image formed depends on object location

Incident Rays

Reflected Rays

Images in Concave Mirrorsu Far from the mirror

u Inverted & smalleru In front of the mirroruReal image

u Close to the mirroruUpright & larger uBehind the mirroruVirtual image

Concave Mirrors in Real Life

u Light rays convergeu Light is concentrated

(brighter & focused)uCar headlights & flashlights

u Magnify close-up objectsuDentist mirror