Ray diagram construction in convex mirrors

Presented byObina Johnson Okeny

obinaokeny@yahoo.com

The path of three rays that are known is used construct the diagram. These are:

a. Rays traveling parallel to the principal axis are reflected and appear to be coming from the principal focus.

b. Rays going towards the principal focus are reflected parallel to the principal axis.

c. Rays going toward the centre of curvature are reflected back along their own path

(a) Rays parallel to the principal axis are reflected and they appear to come from the principal focus.

CFP

(b) Rays moving towards the principal focus (F) will move parallel to the principal axis after reflection.

CFP

(c) Ray going towards the centre of curvature (C) are reflected back along their own paths because they are normal to the mirror.

CFP

O CFI

I am the object

Now let us draw a ray diagram.

P

Now do some practice by placing the object nearer or further away from the mirror.

What is the nature of the image formed in each case?

Good luck!