What is the significance of Q in understanding curved mirrors?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the significance of the term Q, which denotes the distance of the image from a curved mirror. Participants explore the implications of this term in the context of image formation, particularly addressing the apparent contradiction of images being formed at the mirror's surface.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants question the use of the term Q, suggesting that if images are formed at the mirror, the distance should be zero, which they argue is not the case.
  • Others clarify that the image is located where the reflected rays converge for real images or where they appear to originate for virtual images, indicating that the image is not literally at the mirror's surface.
  • A participant introduces the idea that the mirror is receiving an image from a different location, implying a distinction between the physical location of the mirror and the perceived location of the image.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the original question, seeking clarification on the confusion regarding the distance of the image from the mirror.
  • One participant notes that the brain interprets the image based on the light rays, suggesting a cognitive aspect to image perception.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the interpretation of Q and its implications for image formation. Multiple competing views remain, with participants expressing differing opinions on the nature of image location relative to the mirror.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not resolved the assumptions regarding the definition of Q and its application in different scenarios involving real and virtual images. The discussion reflects varying interpretations of how images are perceived in relation to the mirror's surface.

FizixFreak
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while reading curved mirrors we come across a term denoted as Q(the distance of image from the mirror)but as the image is formed right on the mirror so the distance of the image from the mirror should be zero?? which is of course not the case.
 
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FizixFreak said:
while reading curved mirrors we come across a term denoted as Q(the distance of image from the mirror)but as the image is formed right on the mirror so the distance of the image from the mirror should be zero?? which is of course not the case.


It may seem that the image is actually at the mirror but it isn't.The image is at the place where the reflected rays pass through in the case of a real image or at the place where the reflected rays seem to come from in the case of a virtual image.Think of the virtual image in a plane mirror,this is as far behind the mirror as the object is in front.
 
Dadface said:
It may seem that the image is actually at the mirror but it isn't.The image is at the place where the reflected rays pass through in the case of a real image or at the place where the reflected rays seem to come from in the case of a virtual image.Think of the virtual image in a plane mirror,this is as far behind the mirror as the object is in front.

one really weird thing came into my mind since the rays from the body are intersecting at some other point the mirror is actually just receiving the image from that place (air i believe?) and showing it to us.
 
any body agrees with me?
 
any body out there:rolleyes:
 
i really need to know this stuff so please is there anybody here that can help:confused:
 
I assume you know how to ray trace . The light rays come from the object and reflect off the mirror and then you trace them back to a point of convergence and this will be where you virtual image is . Depends on the situation . I'm not quite sure what your question is .
 
cragar said:
I assume you know how to ray trace . The light rays come from the object and reflect off the mirror and then you trace them back to a point of convergence and this will be where you virtual image is . Depends on the situation . I'm not quite sure what your question is .

i am aware of all that stuff.
i wanted to ask that if all the images are formed on the mirrors so why do we use the term Q(distance of image from the mirror) as the image is being formed right on the mirror so that would imlply that the distance of image from the mirror is zero in any case but of course it is not taken to be zero.
so that is my question
 
Our brain could interpret the image in front of the mirror or behind it . Not from the photon source .
 
  • #10
FizixFreak said:
one really weird thing came into my mind since the rays from the body are intersecting at some other point the mirror is actually just receiving the image from that place (air i believe?) and showing it to us.


what do you think about this view
 

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