Sign Conventions for Spherical Mirrors
What is the function of a Convex Mirror?
Since, the convex mirror is a diverging mirror. So the light falls on the mirror reflects from it in the outward direction and hence the image formed behind the mirror.
Write down the Mirror Formula.
The mirror formula is the relation between the object, image, and focal length of the spherical mirror. The mirror formula is given as,
1/u + 1/v = 1/f
where
- u is the object distance
- v is the image distance and
- f is the focal length of the mirror.
What is the function of a Concave Mirror?
Since, the concave mirror is a converging mirror. So the light falls on the mirror reflects from it in the inward direction and hence the image formed in front of the mirror.
What is the Sign Convention followed for the Image distance of the Convex Mirror?
In a convex mirror, the image is always formed on the right-hand side (behind the mirror), so the image distance (o) for a convex mirror will be always positive.
What is the Sign Convention followed for the Image distance of the Concave Mirror?
The images formed by a concave mirror can be either behind the mirror (virtual) or in front of the mirror (real). So, the image distance (v) for a concave mirror can be either positive or negative depending on the position of the image. If the image is formed behind a concave mirror, the image distance (v) is positive but if the image is formed in front of the mirror, then the image distance will be negative.
Sign Convention for Spherical Mirrors
Sign Convention for Spherical Mirrors: While studying the reflection of light by spherical mirrors and the formation of images by spherical mirrors, a set of sign conventions are needed to learn that is required to measure the focal length, the distance of the object or image from the mirror, and the magnification of the mirror.
Before, understanding the concept of sign conventions for spherical mirrors first discuss some commonly used terms in a spherical mirror.
Table of Content
- Commonly Used Terms in Spherical Mirrors
- Sign Convention for Spherical Mirrors
- Important Points to Remember
- Mirror Formula
- Magnification (or Linear magnification)
- Solved Examples on Sign Conventions for Spherical Mirrors