This document discusses different types of mirrors and their properties. It distinguishes between concave and convex mirrors. Concave mirrors curve inward and focus light, producing real or virtual images depending on the object's distance. Convex mirrors curve outward and always produce smaller, upright, virtual images. Examples of uses for each type of mirror are given, including car headlights, security mirrors, and makeup mirrors. Real images are described as inverted while virtual images are upright. A diagram is also included to illustrate ray diagrams and image formation using mirrors.

1. Mirrors (Concave/
Convex)
By:Dallas Smith and Breanna Brisley

2. Objective
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Distinguish between the different types of
mirrors.
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Describe a simple ray diagram.
•
Distinguish between real and virtual images.

3. Introductory
Today we will be talking about…
Mirrors
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o
•
•
o
Concave
Convex
Simple ray diagrams
Images
o
o
Virtual
Real

4. Concave Mirrors
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A concave mirror is a mirror that has a
slightly inward curve like the inside of a
spoon.
The curved surface focuses parallel rays
from a great distance into a single point for
enhanced intensity.

5. Concave Mirrors
•
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The image you see from the mirror is either
real (inverted) or virtual (upright).
The image depends on the objects distance
from the surface to the mirror.

6. Examples of Concave Mirrors
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Headlights of a car
o
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Dentist mirror
o
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the source of light is placed at the focus of the
concave reflector
focus light on the tooth to be examined
Make-up mirrors
o
enlarges the image to be easier to see

7. Convex Mirrors
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A convex mirror curves outward like the back
of a spoon.
The image reflected from a convex mirror is
smaller, upright, and virtual.

8. Examples of Convex Mirrors
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Side-view mirror
o
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Security mirrors
o
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allows the driver to see more objects and a wider
view of what’s behind
used in malls, convenience stores, and
supermarkets to view a large portion of people
Camera phone
o
helps to aim correctly when taking a self- portrait

9. Simple Ray Diagram

10. Real vs. Virtual Images
Real Image
Virtual Image

11. Concave & Convex in real life.

12. Citations
Davidson, M., Parry-Hill, M., & Fellers, T. (n.d.). Molecular Expressions: Physics of Light and Color - Concave Spherical
Mirrors: Interactive Java Tutorial. Molecular Expressions: Physics of Light and Color - Concave Spherical Mirrors: Interactive
Java Tutorial. Retrieved October 28, 2013, from http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/primer/java/mirrors/concavemirrors/
Levine, J. (n.d.). Topic 18. Real and virtual images; plane mirrors. Topic 18. Real and Virtual images; plane mirrors. Retrieved
October 28, 2013, from http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys1230/phys1230_fa01/topic18.html
Hewitt, P. G. (2002). Conceptual physics: the high school physics program. Needham, Mass.: Prentice Hall.
Serway, R. A., & Faughn, J. S. (2009). Holt physics. Austin, Tex.: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
Neaves, S., & Davidson, M. (n.d.). Molecular Expressions: Science, Optics, and You: Light and Color - Reflection of Light.
Molecular Expressions: Science, Optics, and You: Light and Color - Reflection of Light. Retrieved October 28, 2013, from
http://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/optics/lightandcolor/reflection.html
Villanueva, John. "Convex Mirror." Universe Today RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2013.
<http://www.universetoday.com/45228/convex-mirror/>.