Light Reflection Through Mirrors

[intimidckfan]

What are the ways that things can be reflected through flat, converging, and diverging mirrors?

I know that for flat mirrors it's a virtual image equal to the size of the object

For the converging mirror, if the object is placed farther than the radius of the mirror, the image is real and inverted and usually a smaller size, i think?

For the converging mirror, if the object is placed between the radius of the mirror and the focus, the image is real and upright?

For the converging mirror, if the object is placed on the focus, there is no image.

For the converging mirror, if the object is placed before the focus, then the image is virtual and a bigger size?

What are the rules for the diverging mirror? and please correct the above if it needs correction.

 

[quantumdude]

Why not just look them up?

Try this site: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/geoopt/mirrorcon.html#c1

 

[quicknote]

I can confirm that the above statements are mostly correct. However, there are a few clarifications and additional information that I would like to provide.

Firstly, for flat mirrors, the image formed is always virtual, meaning it cannot be projected onto a screen. The size of the image is equal to the size of the object and it is located at the same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.

For converging mirrors, also known as convex mirrors, the image formed depends on the location of the object relative to the mirror. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, a real and inverted image is formed, which is smaller than the object. If the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, a virtual and upright image is formed, which is larger than the object. If the object is placed at the focal point, there is no image formed. And if the object is placed between the mirror and the focal point, a virtual and enlarged image is formed.

For diverging mirrors, also known as concave mirrors, the rules are slightly different. The image formed is always virtual, upright, and smaller than the object. The location of the image depends on the distance of the object from the mirror. If the object is placed beyond the focal point, a virtual and upright image is formed behind the mirror. If the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, the image is still virtual and upright, but it appears closer to the mirror. And if the object is placed at or before the focal point, no image is formed.

It is important to note that the size and location of the image formed by a mirror depend on the distance of the object from the mirror, as well as the type of mirror being used. These principles can be explained by the laws of reflection and the properties of light rays. Overall, mirrors are essential tools for studying light and its behavior, and understanding their properties is crucial for many scientific applications.