Mirrors

• Light rays- each narrow beam of light that travels in a straight line.

- A light source sends out light waves in all directions.

3 Types of mirrors

1. Plane

2. Concave

3. Convex

• There are 2 types of images mirrors can create.

1. Virtual image- upright, reflected image that is perceived by your brain even though no light passes through the image.

2. Real image- when the light comes together to form an image.

• Plane Mirror- flat smooth mirror.

It creates a virtual image.

Parts of a mirror• Optical axis- Imaginary straight

line drawn perpendicular to the surface of the mirror.

• Focal point- the point on the optical axis that every light ray will pass through.

• Focal length- the distance from the center of the mirror to the focal point.

• Concave Mirror- a mirror that is curved inward.-Light rays that hit a concave mirror come together after they are reflected.

Optical Axis

Focal Point

Focal Length

Focal Point

Focal Length

Optical Axis

Focal Length

Focal Point

Optical Axis

• Convex Mirror- mirror that curves outward. Ex: Back of a spoon

-Light rays that hit a convex mirror will spread apart after they are reflected.

Focal Length

Focal Point

Optical Axis

Focal Length

Focal Point

Optical Axis

Mirror Type Image Size

Plane Upright Same

Concave

-Far away Upside down Smaller

-At focal point None None

-Very close Upright Larger

Convex Upright Smaller