Why doesn't my convex mirror reflection match the expected focal point?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the behavior of light rays in convex mirrors, specifically addressing why reflected rays do not converge at the expected focal point (F). The user graphed a model with focal point F at (25,0) and found that the reflected rays, despite being parallel to the principal axis, did not pass through F as anticipated. The conclusion drawn is that while rays parallel to the principal axis approach the focal point, they do not converge exactly at F, highlighting the distinction between paraxial rays and the actual behavior of light in convex mirrors.

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Homework Statement



For self study, I've been trying to understand my convex mirror.
Some online instruction I've been following states that if an incidence ray (red line in my model, below) parallel to the principal axis (black line) hits a convex mirror (full curvature outlined in black, centre C), the reflected ray (purple) extended back passes through the focal point (F).

Homework Equations


In my graphed model below, the points & vectors are
centre of curvature, C is at origin
focal point, F = (25,0)
normal to incident, N = (0.91128...,-0.41178...)
incident, I = (-1,0)
reflected, R = (0.66087...,-0.75049...)

The Attempt at a Solution



wtf.png


I graphed my model (above) but the reflected vector does not run exactly through my focal point as expected. I've checked this is not simply a rounding error (or any other obvious mistakes). There are also other problems when I plot more incident vectors emanating from the same point (not shown): the reflected vectors do not converge on a virtual image point as expected. Something crucial is missing from my understanding of this problem.
 
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In the concave mirror, the reflected ray will pass through F if the ray is parallel to the principle and close to the principle axis. Such rays are called par axial rays.
 
Are you just saying the principle is an approximation. I.e. in fact it never passes exactly through F at all (except of course when the incident ray is along the principal axis), but the reflected ray gets very close to F when the incident is close to the principal axis
 
Yes.
 

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