Physics
Explain the following terms:
(a) Pole
(b) Centre of curvature
(c) Radius of curvature
(d) Principal axis
Show them on separate diagrams for each of the concave and convex mirrors.
Answer
(a) Pole — The geometric centre of the spherical surface of the mirror is called the pole of the mirror. It is represented by the symbol P.
(b) Centre of curvature — The centre of curvature of a mirror is the centre of the sphere of which the mirror is a part. It is represented by the symbol C.
(c) Radius of curvature — The radius of curvature of a mirror is the radius of the sphere of which the mirror is a part. It is represented by symbol R.
(d) Principal axis — It is a straight line joining the pole of the mirror to its centre of curvature.
Related Questions
What is a spherical mirror?
What do you understand by the focus and focal length of a spherical mirror? Show them on separate diagrams for each of a concave mirror and a convex mirror.
State the two kinds of spherical mirrors and distinguish them with the aid of proper diagrams.
Draw suitable diagrams to illustrate how a beam of light incident parallel to the principal axis is reflected by:
(a) a concave mirror and
(b) a convex mirror.