The center of curvature C is the center of the sphere where the mirror was taken.

The vertex V is the center of the mirror. It is sometimes called the pole of the mirror.

The radius of curvature R is the radius of the sphere. It is the distance between C and V.

The principal axis P, or optical axis, is the straight line joining P and V.

The aperture MN refers to the width of the mirror.

The principal focus F is the point where the reflected rays seem to come from behind adiverging mirror.

The focal length f is the distance from the vertex to the principal focus. Since theprincipal focus is midway between C and V, the focal length is one-half the radius of

curvature; f=1

2R

1. A ray passing through the center of curvature is reflected along itself.

2. A ray parallel to the principal or optical axis is reflected through theprincipal focus in converging mirrors, or appears to come fromthe principal focus in diverging mirrors.

3. A ray passing through the focus is reflected parallel to theprincipal or optical axis.

4. A ray striking the vertex of the mirror is reflected at an equalangle on the opposite side of the principal axis .

PROBLEM:

How are images formed in curve mirrors?

MATERIALS:

A. Learning Station 1 Meter stick

Object lamp

Ruler

Concave mirror

Meter stick

Screen

B. Learning Station 2 Object lamp

Meter stick

Ruler

Convex mirror

Meter stick

Screen

Learning Station 1

Learning Station 2

Group 1

Group 2

Finished

A. Concave Mirror

Where must you place an object ifyou want to form an image that isupright and bigger than the object?

Where must you place an object ifyou want to form a smaller image?

Where can you place an object so thatno image forms?

Between which two points does animage form is virtual?

B. Convex Mirror

What kind of image is always formedon convex mirrors?

Have advance readings on

Refraction of Light and answer

the following questions:

1. How is light refracted?

2. What is the mathematical

equation for the index of

refration?

Refer to Physics: Science and

Technology IV Textbook page