Plane, Parabolic and Elliptical Mirror
The comparison of plane mirror with parabolic and elliptical mirror is mentioned below:
Plane Mirror
- Plane mirror has a smooth and flat surface.
- It works on the law of reflection which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
- It create virtual images that are upright and also have a property named lateral inversion.
- They are commonly used in daily use such as mirrors on dressing tables, in saloons, kaleidoscopes.
Parabolic Mirror
- A parabolic mirror has a curved surface shaped like a parabola.
- It reflects light rays in a way that all incoming parallel rays converge at a single point called the focus (Focal length)
- Parabolic mirrors are used where focus or collect light at points such as reflecting telescopes, and solar concentrators.
Elliptical Mirror
- An Elliptical mirror has a curved shape like an ellipse.
- It has two focal points, with light rays directed towards one focal point reflecting towards the other focal point.
- Elliptical mirrors are used in optical devices such as headlamps in automobiles and some types of telescopes.
Plane Mirror
A plane mirror is a type of mirror that has a flat, reflective surface. It reflects light rays in a predictable manner. Plane mirror is generally used as dressing mirror. It forms a virtual and erect image. The size of the image is formed is same as that of object. In this article, we will learn in detail about the plane mirror, image formation by plane mirrors and its characteristics. We will also learn about the applications of plane mirror and compare it with spherical mirror, parabolic mirror and elliptical mirror.
Table of Content
- What is Plane Mirror?
- Light Reflection in Plane Mirrors
- Images Formation by Plane Mirrors
- Ray Diagram for Plane Mirror
- Mirror Equation for Plane Mirror
- Uses of Plane Mirrors