Computer Applications
Answer
Depending on whether the inner or outer surface of the sphere is silvered, spherical mirrors are of two types —
- Concave mirror
- Convex mirror
Difference between the two mirrors are —
| Concave mirror | Convex mirror |
|---|---|
| It is made by silvering the outer surface of a part of the hollow sphere, so reflection takes place from the inner surface. | It is made by silvering the inner surface of a part of the hollow sphere, so reflection takes place from the bulging surface. |
| The light rays incident on it converge after reflection. | The light rays incident on it diverge after reflection. |
| The image formed by it is real as well as virtual. For all positions of the object at or beyond the focus, the image is real, while for positions of the object between the focus and the pole, the image is virtual. | The image formed by it is always virtual for all positions of the object infront of it. |
| For object away from the centre of curvature, the image is diminished, for object at the centre of curvature, image is of same size and for object within the centre of curvature, image is diminished. | The image is always diminished for all positions of the object infront of it. |
Related Questions
Name the spherical mirror which (i) diverges (ii) converges the beam of light incident on it. Justify your answer by drawing a ray diagram in each case.
Define the terms pole, principal axis and center of curvature with reference to a spherical mirror.
State the direction of incident ray which after reflection from a spherical mirror retraces it's path. Give a reason to your answer.
Define the terms focus and focal length of a concave mirror. Draw diagram to illustrate your answer.