Ray Diagrams of Convex Mirror
In a convex mirror which has an outward curve, when light rays come parallel to each other and hit the mirror, they reflect away.
How to Make a Ray Diagram of Convex Mirror?
- Parallel Rays: Start with two rays coming in parallel. Picture them like arrows pointing to the mirror.
- Reflection: The rays reflect off the mirror surface. Instead of coming together like they would in a concave mirror, they spread out.
- Diverging Rays: After reflection, the rays move apart. If you extend these reflected rays backward, they appear to come from a point behind the mirror.
- Virtual Focus Point: This imaginary point where the rays seem to meet is called the “virtual focus point” for a convex mirror.
Object at Infinity
When an object is positioned at infinity in front of a convex mirror, parallel rays reflecting off the mirror appear to converge at an imaginary point behind the mirror. This point is not a real focus but is created by extending the reflected rays backward. As a result, the virtual image formed is diminished, upright, and located behind the mirror.
Image Formation When an Object Is Placed between Infinity and the Pole.
Object at a Finite Distance
In the scenario where the object is placed at a finite distance from a convex mirror, we examine two distinct rays originating from the object.
- One ray moves parallel to the principal axis, while the other is directed toward the center of curvature of the mirror.
- After reflecting off the mirror surface, these rays converge to form an image.
- This image is situated behind the mirror, between the pole (P) and the focus (F). The characteristics of this image include being smaller in size, virtual, and upright.
Image Formation When an Object Is Placed between Infinity and the Pole
When an object is positioned between infinity and the pole of a convex mirror, we observe the formation of an image using two specific rays. One ray is parallel to the principal axis, and the other is directed towards the center of curvature of the mirror. Following reflection, these rays come together to create an image located between the pole (P) and the focus (F) behind the mirror. This resulting image is smaller, appears behind the mirror, and is upright, but it is virtual in nature.
Image Formation in Convex Mirror: Table
The table showing the image formation by convex mirror is added below,
- Highly Diminished
- Pointed in size
Position of Object |
Position of Image |
Size of Image |
Nature of Image |
---|---|---|---|
At Infinity |
At focus F, behind the mirror |
Highly Diminished |
Virtual and Erect |
Between Infinity and Pole of Mirror |
Between P and F, behind the mirror |
Diminished |
Virtual and Erect |
Sign Convention in Convex Mirror: Table
Sign convention in convex mirror is explained in the table added below,
Parameter Convex Mirror |
Sign Convention |
---|---|
Focal Length(f) |
+f |
Image Distance(v) |
+v |
Object Distance(u) |
-u |
Uses of Convex Mirrors
Various uses of Convex Mirrors are,
- Convex mirrors are used to view large portion and are thus used for security purposes.
- Used in cars as side mirror and driveways as they increase the field of view of driver, etc.
Difference Between Convex Mirror and Concave Mirror
The difference between convex and concave mirror is based on there various characteristics.
Convex Mirror Vs Concave Mirror |
||
---|---|---|
Characteristics |
Convex Mirror |
Concave Mirror |
Shape |
Bulges outward like the exterior of a sphere |
Curves inward like the interior of a sphere |
Reflective Surface |
Outward-curved surface |
Inward-curved surface |
Image Types |
Virtual, erect, and diminished images |
Virtual or real, inverted or erect, and magnified or diminished images |
Focal Point |
Behind the mirror |
In front of or behind the mirror depending on the object’s position |
Real or Virtual Images |
Only virtual images are formed |
Can form both virtual and real images depending on the object’s position |
Uses |
Traffic mirrors, security cameras, wide-angle surveillance |
Makeup mirrors, reflecting telescopes, focusing mirrors in headlights |
Also Read,
Image Formation in Convex Mirror
Convex Mirror also called Diverging Mirror is a curved reflective surface that bulges outward. The image formed by a convex mirror is always erect, virtual, and diminished in size. The image formed by a convex mirror is generally formed behind the mirror.
In this article, we will understand the meaning and definition of a convex mirror, the various characteristics, applications, and related terms of a convex mirror, and the difference between a convex and a concave mirror.