Key Concepts:

1. The Mirror Equation:

• The mirror equation for spherical mirrors: $$(\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u}),$$ where:
  • (f) is the focal length of the mirror.
  • (v) is the image distance (positive for real images, negative for virtual).
  • (u) is the object distance (positive for real objects, negative for virtual).

2. Sign Conventions:

• Understanding the sign conventions for distances:
  • Positive distances are measured in the direction of the incident light.
  • Negative distances are measured in the direction opposite to the incident light.
  • Focal length ((f)) is positive for concave mirrors and negative for convex mirrors.

3. Real vs. Virtual Images:

• Real images are formed when light rays converge and can be projected onto a screen.
• Virtual images are formed when light rays appear to diverge and cannot be projected.

4. Magnification ((M)):

• Magnification ((M)) is a measure of how much the image is enlarged or reduced compared to the object.
• Magnification formula: $$(M = -\frac{v}{u}).$$
• Negative (M) indicates inversion (upside-down image), while positive (M) indicates an upright image.

5. Ray Diagrams:

• Ray diagrams help visualize the path of light rays and the formation of images by mirrors.
• Rays typically drawn include:
  • A ray parallel to the principal axis that reflects through the focal point for concave mirrors.
  • A ray that passes through the focal point before reflecting parallel to the principal axis for concave mirrors.
  • A ray directed towards the center of curvature that reflects back on itself.

Formulas to Remember:

1. The Mirror Equation:

• $$(\frac{1}{f} = \frac{1}{v} + \frac{1}{u})$$

2. Magnification ((M)):

• $$(M = -\frac{v}{u})$$

Mirror Configurations:

1. Object Beyond Center of Curvature ((C)):

• Image is real, inverted, and located between the focus ((F)) and the center of curvature ((C)).

2. Object at Center of Curvature ((C)):

• Image is real, inverted, and located at (C).

3. Object Between (C) and (F):

• Image is real, inverted, and located beyond (C).

4. Object at Focus ((F)):

• No real image is formed. Only virtual rays diverge.

5. Object Between Mirror and Focus ((F)):

• Image is virtual, erect, and located on the same side as the object.