A question on geometric optics

In summary, a concave mirror with a radius of curvature of 5cm and a circular ring with a radius of 4cm is blackened except for a narrow strip around the edge. When a beam of light parallel to the principal axis falls on the mirror, the distance between the centre of curvature and the point at which the light is focused can be found by considering the angle of incidence and the principle of reflection. In the paraxial case, the blackened centre of the mirror does not affect the intensity of the reflected light or the focus point, as the optical path length remains the same.
  • #1
roborahull
4
0
a concave mirror of 5cm radius of curvature whose circular ring has a radius of 4cm is blackened except for a narrow strip round the edge. A beam of light parallel to the principal axis falls on the mirror. Find the distance between the centre of curvature of mirror and the point at which light is focused.
 
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  • #2
Greetings robarahull. Welcome to the forum.

To get help with homework questions you need to follow the rules. You need to fill in the template for asking questions. And you need to show that you have done some of the work trying to solve your homework yourself.

Because you are new I will give you a tiny bit of help anyway. What angle will the light make with the surface of the mirror at the non-black radius? And so where will it reflect? So where will it be focussed?
 
  • #3
roborahull said:
a concave mirror of 5cm radius of curvature whose circular ring has a radius of 4cm is blackened except for a narrow strip round the edge. A beam of light parallel to the principal axis falls on the mirror. Find the distance between the centre of curvature of mirror and the point at which light is focused.

In the paraxial case, what difference does it make for a mirror to have its centre blackened? Will the intensity of the reflected light change? Will the focus point change (hint: optical path length)?
 

1. What is geometric optics?

Geometric optics is a branch of physics that studies the behavior of light in terms of rays and its interaction with different mediums and surfaces. It is based on the principles of reflection, refraction, and the law of least time.

2. What are the key concepts in geometric optics?

The key concepts in geometric optics include the ray model of light, which states that light travels in straight lines, and the principles of reflection and refraction, which describe how light behaves when it encounters a surface or medium with a different optical density.

3. How is geometric optics applied in real-life situations?

Geometric optics has many practical applications, such as in the design of lenses and mirrors for optical devices such as cameras and microscopes. It is also used in the construction of optical instruments for measuring and manipulating light, such as telescopes and lasers.

4. What is the difference between geometric optics and physical optics?

Geometric optics deals with the behavior of light as rays and focuses on the macroscopic properties of light, such as reflection and refraction. On the other hand, physical optics considers the wave nature of light and focuses on microscopic phenomena such as interference and diffraction.

5. How does the human eye use the principles of geometric optics to see?

The human eye uses the principles of geometric optics to focus light onto the retina, where the image is formed. The cornea and lens in the eye act as convex lenses to refract light and adjust its focus, allowing us to see objects at different distances clearly.

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