1. Images in a Curved Mirrors
Concave Mirrors

2. Terminology of Concave Mirrors
C – centre of curvature – centre of the sphere F C V PA
PA – principal axis – line going through C
F – focus – point where parallel light rays come together
V – vertex – point where PA meets mirror
focal point
focal length

3. How to Locate the Image in a Concave Mirror
Three light rays must be drawn originating from the top of the object:
1. Ray travels parallel to the PA and reflects through the F
2. Ray travels through F and reflects parallel to the PA
3. Ray travels to V and reflects at the same angle of incidence C V F 2 3 1
concave mirror demonstration

4. Image Location in a Concave Mirror
Object is located beyond C 2 3 1
S – smaller
A – inverted
L – between F and C
T - real

5. Image Location in a Concave Mirror
Object is located at C 2 3 1
S – same
A – inverted
L – at C
T - real

6. Image Location in a Concave Mirror
Object is located between F and C 2 1 3
S – larger
A – inverted
L – outside C
T - real

7. Image Location in a Concave Mirror
Object is located at F 1
NO IMAGE FORMED 2

8. Image Location in a Concave Mirror
Object is located within F 2 1
S – larger
A – upright
L – behind mirror
T - virtual 3

9. Why Two Different Reflections?
"Have you ever approached a giant concave mirror? See your upside-down image suspended in mid-air. Walk through the image to see a new reflection, right-side-up and greatly magnified. In the background you see reflected a room full of visitors enjoying other
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Why Two Different Reflections? 9

10. Image Characteristics of a Concave Mirror
Object
Image
Size
Attitude
Location
Type
Beyond C
At C
Between
C and F
At F
inside
smaller
inverted
between C and F
real
same size
inverted
at C
real
larger
inverted
beyond C
real
no clear image
larger
upright
behind mirror
virtual
THE SIZE AND TYPE OF IMAGE DEPENDS ON LOCATION OF OBJECT
concave mirror demonstration

11. - make-up mirrors – make the image larger than the object
Use of Concave Mirrors
- make-up mirrors – make the image larger than the object
flashlight – parallel beams of light
- Dentists - to focus light on the tooth that is being examined

12. Bathroom Mirror

13. Light