Plane Mirrors Plane 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
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