Physics
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.
Answer
The focus (F) of a concave mirror is a point on the principal axis at which the light rays incident parallel to the principal axis, meet (converge) after reflection from the mirror.
The focus (F) of a convex mirror is a point on the principal axis at which the light rays incident parallel to the principal axis, appear to meet after reflection from the mirror.
The distance of the focus from the pole of the mirror is called the focal length of the mirror.
Related Questions
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.
State the two kinds of spherical mirrors and distinguish them with the aid of proper diagrams.
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.
How is a spherical mirror used to converge a beam of light at a point? Name the type of mirror used.