Apart from other applications, the convex mirror is mostly used as a rearview mirror in vehicles. When the object is placed between the principal focus and the pole. These images are formed when light falls on a mirror from the object and is reflected back by the mirror on the screen.Â. However, if we increase the distance between the object and the mirror then the size of the image reduces and a real image is formed. When an object is placed at infinity, a virtual image is formed at the focus. When the object AB is placed between the centre of curvature and principal focus, then the ray AD running parallel to the principal axis and another ray AE passing through the principal focus F intersect each other at point A’ beyond the centre of curvature. Images can be of two types: Real image and Virtual image.Â, An image that can be formed on the screen is known as a real image and the one which cannot be formed on the screen is known as a virtual image. So, the image formed by the concave mirror can be small or large and it can also be real or virtual. Image Formation By Concave Mirror. The size of the image is the same as compared to that of the object. Concave mirrors are also known as a converging mirror since the rays converge after falling on the concave mirror, while the convex mirrors are known as diverging mirrors as the rays diverge after falling on the convex mirror. In this section, let us look at the types of images formed by a convex mirror. Between the center of curvature and principal focus. So, the reflected rays DX and EY are extended backward by dotted lines. 2. Image formed by a concave mirror when the object is placed at infinity. In this article, we will learn about image formation by concave and convex mirrors. A mirror is a surface that reflects a clear image. We use them because we know the paths of them. Select the correct answer and click on the âFinishâ button Beyond the centre of curvature 3. Therefore, in this case the image is formed at the principal focus which is highly diminished, real and inverted. When the concave mirror is placed very close to the object, a magnified and virtual image is obtained. Between the principal focus and pole, 1. The size of the image is much larger than compared to that of the object. When the object AB is placed at the principal focus, then the parallel ray of light AD passes through the principal focus F giving us the reflected ray DX. When the object is placed at principal focus. Ray 1 approaches parallel to the axis, ray 2 strikes the center of the mirror, and ray 3 approaches the mirror as if it came from the focal point. Thus the image formed is between the principal focus F and centre of curvature C, diminished, real and inverted. And the second ray of light AE passing through the centre of curvature C is reflected along the same path forming the reflected ray EY. When an object is placed at the focus, the real image is formed at infinity. Test Your Understanding and Answer These Questions: Rules for obtaining images formed by spherical mirror, Rules for Obtaining Images by Spherical Mirrors. When an object is placed at infinity, a virtual image is formed at the focus. Figure 6. When an object is placed in between the center of curvature and focus, the real image is formed behind the center of curvature. Ray diagram helps to trace the path of the light for the person to view a point on the image of an object. When an object is placed in between focus and pole, a virtual and erect image is formed. DX and EY become parallel to each other so these rays cannot intersect each other and the image will be formed at infinity. At the infinity 2. There can be two types of mirror: Curved mirror and plane mirror. Thus the image formed in this case is beyond C, enlarged, real and inverted. 6. Spherical mirrors are the mirrors having curved surfaces that are painted on one of the sides. The size of the image is much smaller than compared to that of the object. In this section, let us look at the types of images formed by a convex mirror. At the principal focus 6. A ray passing through the center of curvature of the spherical mirror will retrace its path after reflection. A convex mirror is also known as a diverging mirror as this mirror diverges light when they strike on its reflecting surface. When the object is placed at infinity, the two rays AB and DE running parallel to the principal axis get reflected at point B and E respectively and intersect each other at the principal focus F on the principal axis. The image formed by a plane mirror is always a virtual image as it cannot be obtained on a screen. Ray diagram used arrow type lines to represent the incident ray and the reflected ray. Different types of images are formed when the object is placed: At the infinity; Beyond the center of curvature; At the center of curvature; Between the center of curvature and principal focus; At the principal focus When a ray, passing through focus strikes concave or convex mirrors, the reflected ray will pass parallel to the principal axis.