Reflection of light - Reflection of light - mirrorsmirrors

Behavior of light using Behavior of light using mirrors:mirrors:

Rays of light hitting a flat mirror Rays of light hitting a flat mirror reflect in the same direction.reflect in the same direction.

However, rays of light hitting a However, rays of light hitting a curved mirror reflect in curved mirror reflect in different directions.different directions.

There are two types of mirrors: There are two types of mirrors: concaveconcave and and convexconvex..

Concave mirrorsConcave mirrors

Concave mirrorsConcave mirrors are curved inward are curved inward toward the center (like an entrance to toward the center (like an entrance to a “cave” or the inside of a spoon).a “cave” or the inside of a spoon).

The rays of light hitting a concave The rays of light hitting a concave mirror move toward each other, mirror move toward each other, crossing over each other and then crossing over each other and then move apart again.move apart again.

The point at which the rays meet is The point at which the rays meet is called the called the focal pointfocal point of the mirror. of the mirror.

Images in Concave Images in Concave mirrors:mirrors: If you are standing far away from If you are standing far away from

a concave mirror, your image a concave mirror, your image appears to be upside down and appears to be upside down and smaller.smaller.

If you are standing inside the If you are standing inside the focal point, your image appears focal point, your image appears to be right-side up and much to be right-side up and much larger than normal.larger than normal.

Concave mirror Concave mirror diagram:diagram:

Examples of concave Examples of concave mirrors:mirrors: Used in vehicle headlightsUsed in vehicle headlights Used by doctors to focus light into Used by doctors to focus light into

ears, throat, etc.ears, throat, etc. Used in make up mirrorsUsed in make up mirrors Focus light for heating purposesFocus light for heating purposes Used by dentists to see teeth in Used by dentists to see teeth in

back of mouth clearlyback of mouth clearly

Convex mirrorsConvex mirrors

Convex mirrors are curved Convex mirrors are curved outward, like the bottom of a outward, like the bottom of a spoon.spoon.

When light rays hit the surface of When light rays hit the surface of a convex mirror, the light rays a convex mirror, the light rays move away from each other.move away from each other.

Your image appears smaller than Your image appears smaller than you really are and is right-side up.you really are and is right-side up.

Convex mirror Convex mirror diagram:diagram:

Examples of convex Examples of convex mirrors:mirrors: Used around corners of buildingsUsed around corners of buildings Used in sunglassesUsed in sunglasses Passenger side door mirrorPassenger side door mirror Used at ATMs for protectionUsed at ATMs for protection Two placed back to back make a Two placed back to back make a

magnifying glassmagnifying glass