(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

5.2 Using Mirrors to Form Images

• All mirrors reflect light according to the law of reflection.

• A flat smooth mirror is called a plane mirror. The mirror on the wall, in your bathroom, is probably a plane mirror.

See page 182

(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

Plane Mirrors

• Plane mirrors form an image that is upright and appears to be as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.

• Left and right appear to be reversed in a plane mirror.

See pages 183 - 184

(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

Concave Mirrors

• A concave mirror is a mirror that curves inward.

• Light reflecting off a concave mirror meet at a single point called the focal point. Light rays that come together are called converging rays.

See page 185

Concave Mirrors

• The image formed by a concave mirror depends on the location of the object (see A, B, C).

• Flashlights, car headlights, and telescopes, are a few applications of concave mirrors.

(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

Convex Mirrors

• A convex mirror is a mirror that curves outwards.

• Reflected rays from a convex mirror diverge and do not meet.

(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

(c) McGraw Hill Ryerson 2007

Convex Mirrors

See page 186

• The image formed by a convex mirror have two characteristics: Objects appear to be smaller than they

are. More objects can be seen in a convex

mirror than in a plane mirror.

Convex mirrors are used in stores as security mirrors

Take the Section 5.2 Quiz