Plane MirrorsPlane Mirrors

• Flat mirror that is most common.

• The image we see in a mirror is called a virtual image.

[http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/reflection/castlemirror.jpg]

[http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/reflection/castlemirror.jpg]

Click here for virtual image demo

Virtual image in a plane mirror is inverted.

When viewed in a rear-view mirror, “Ambulance” is correct!

[http://www.ohmvfiredept.org/137_front.jpg]

Concave MirrorsConcave Mirrors

• Surface of mirror curves inward.

• Light waves will reflect off of surface and combine at a focal point.

[http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/reflection/twoparallelraysconcave.jpg]

[http://sol.sci.uop.edu/~jfalward/reflection/twoparallelraysconcave.jpg]

Concave MirrorsConcave Mirrors

• Can create a virtual image if the object is within the focal length.

• Magnifies the object…

[http://www.wfu.edu/physics/demolabs/demos/avimov/optics/concave_mirror_large/concavemirror.JPG]

Concave Mirror Ray DiagramConcave Mirror Ray DiagramObject Distance < Focal Length

Virtual Image: Upright & Magnified

Incoming Light Waves

Reflected Light Waves

Concave MirrorsConcave Mirrors

• Can create a real image if the object is twice the focal length.

[http://library.thinkquest.org/26162/fig4-6.gif]

Concave Mirror Ray DiagramConcave Mirror Ray Diagram

Real Image: Upside down (Size can change!)

Object Distance > Focal Length

Incoming Light Waves

Reflected Light Waves

Convex MirrorsConvex Mirrors

• Surface of mirror curves outward.

• Shrink images, but allow you to see more area.

Convex MirrorsConvex Mirrors

• “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear”

• Only create virtual images

[http://www.geocities.com/srivathsajoshi/cautionmessage.jpg]

Convex Mirror Ray DiagramConvex Mirror Ray DiagramObject at Any Location

Virtual Image: Smaller &

Upright

Incoming Light Waves

Reflected Light Waves