REFLECTION OF LIGHT 3

CHAPTER

of these waves. They can travel in vacuum

CONTENTS also. The speed of these waves in air or in
 The Nature of light vacuum is maximum i.e., 3 × 108 m/s.
Photoelectric effect was not explained with the
 Reflection of light
help of wave theory, so Plank gave a new theory
 Laws of reflection of light which was known as quantum theory of light.
 Nature of image (iii) Quantum theory of light :
When light falls on the surface of metals like
 Reflection from the plane mirror caesium, potassium etc., electrons are given
 Reflection from spherical mirrors out. These electrons are called 'photo-
electrons' and phenomenon is called 'photo-
 Rules for image formation by ray
electric effect'.
diagram method
This was explained by Einstein. According to
 Image formation by spherical plank light consisted of packets or quanta's of
mirrors in different cases energy called photons. The rest mass of
 Numerical method in spherical mirror photon is zero. Each quanta carries energy
 Summary of images by spherical E = h.
mirror h  Planck's constant = 6.6 × 10–34 J-s.
  Frequency of light
Some phenomenons like interference of light,
diffraction of light are explained with the help
THE NATURE OF LIGHT of wave theory but wave theory was failed to
Light is a form of energy (optical energy) explain the photo electric effect of light. It
which helps us in seeing objects by its was explained with the help of quantum
theory. So, light has dual nature.
presence.
(i) Wave nature (ii) Particle nature
(A) THEORIES ABOUT NATURE OF LIGHT :
(i) Particle nature of light (Newton's  (B) SOURCES OF LIGHT.
corpuscular theory) : The objects which emit (give) light are called
According to Newton light travels in space luminous objects. It may be natural or man-
with a great speed as a stream of very small made. Sun is a natural source of light and
particles called corpuscles. electric lamp, and oil lamp, etc. are man-
made source of light.
This theory was failed to explain interference
The Non-luminous objects do not emit light.
of light and diffraction of light. So wave
However, such objects become visible due to the
theory of light was discovered.
reflection of the light falling on them. Moon does
(ii) Wave nature of light :
Light waves are electromagnetic waves so not emit light. It becomes visible due to the
there is no need of medium for the propagation reflection of the sunlight falling on it.
 (C)
PROPAGATION OF LIGHT too. Scientists have assigned a value of 299,
Light travels along straight lines in a medium 792, 458 m/s to the speed of light in vacuum.
or in vacuum. The path of light changes only  According to current scientific theories, no
when there is an object in its path or where material particle can travel at a speed greater
the medium changes. Apart from vacuum and
gases, light can travel through some liquids than that of light in vacuum.
and solids as well.
 Transparent medium : A medium in which
light can travel freely over large distances is REFLECTION OF LIGHT
called a transparent medium.  Definition. When light rays are incident on
Examples: Water, glycerin, glass and clear an opaque polished surface (medium), these
plastics are transparent. are returned back in the same medium.
This phenomenon of returning of ray of light
 Opaque : A medium in which light cannot
in the same medium, is called reflection of
travel is called opaque. light.
Examples : Wood, metals, bricks, etc., are
opaque.
Definition of some associated terms :
 Translucent : A medium in which light can
travel some distance, but its intensity reduces P N Q
rapidly. Such materials are called
translucent.
i r
Examples : Oil
X Y
O
(D) THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LIGHT  Reflecting surface : The surface from which
 Light is an electromagnetic wave. the light is reflected, is called the reflecting
Light travels in a straight line. surface. In diagram, XY is the reflecting
 Light is a transverse wave, and does not need surface.
any medium to travel. Light can travel  Point of incidence : The point on the
through vaccum. Its speed through vaccum is reflecting surface at which a ray of light
3 × 108 m/s. strikes, is called the point of incidence. In
 The velocity of light changes when it travels diagram, O is the point of incidence.
from one medium to another.  Normal : A perpendicular drawn on the
 The wavelength () of light changes when it reflecting surface at the point of incidence, is
goes from one medium to another. called the normal. In diagram, ON is the
 The frequency (f) of the light wave remains normal.
the same in all media.  Incident ray : The ray of light which strikes
Light gets reflected back from polished the reflecting surface at the point of incidence
surfaces, such as mirrors, polished metal is called the incident ray. In diagram, PO is
surfaces, etc. the incident ray.
Light undergoes refraction (bending) when it  Reflected ray : The ray of light reflected
travels from one transparent medium to from the reflecting surface from the point of
another. incidence, is called the reflected ray. In
 Light does not need a material medium to diagram, OQ is the reflected ray.
travel, that is, it can travel through a vacuum
 Angle of incidence : The angle that the
incident ray makes with the normal, is called Incident ray
the angle of incidence. It is represented by the
symbol i. In diagram, angle PON is the angle Reflected ray
of incidence.
 Angle of reflection : The angle that the Normal Incidence
reflected ray makes with the normal, is called
the angle of reflection. It is represented by the (ii) Laws of reflection are also obeyed when light
symbol r. In diagram, QON is the angle of is reflected from the spherical or curved
surfaces as shown in figure (a) and (b)
reflection.
Plane of incidence : The plane in which the N N
I R I R
normal and the incident ray lie, is called the
plane of incidence. In diagram, the plane of
i r i r
the bookpage, is the plane of incidence.
Plane of reflection : The plane in which the
(a) (b)
normal and the reflected ray lie, is called the
plane of reflection. In diagram, the plane of Reflection from curved surface
the book page, is the plane of reflection.
(iii) Regular and Irregular Reflection :

Regular Reflection – The phenomenon due

LAWS OF REFLECTION OF LIGHT to which a parallel beam of light travelling
through a certain medium, on striking some
 First law : The incident ray, the reflected ray smooth polished surface, bounces off from it,
and the normal at the point of incidence, all as parallel beam, in some other fixed
lie in the same plane. direction is called Regular reflection.
 Second law : The angle of reflection (r) is
always equal to the angle of incidence (i).
i.e., r = i
(For normal incidence, i = 0, r = 0. The ray is
reflected back along normal).

(i) A ray of light striking the surface normally

retraces its path. Regular reflection
When a ray of light strikes a surface Regular reflection takes place from the
normally, then angle of incidence is zero i.e., objects like looking glass, still water, oil,
i = 0. According to the law of reflection, highly polished metals, etc.
r = i, r = 0 i.e. the reflected ray is also
Regular reflection is useful in the formation of
perpendicular to the surface. Thus, an
images, e.g., we can see our face in a mirror
incident ray normal to the surface (i.e.
only on account of regular reflection. However,
perpendicular to the surface) retraces its path
it causes a very strong glare in our eyes.
as shown in figure.
 Irregular reflection or Diffused reflection :
REFLECTION FROM THE PLANE MIRROR

Relation between the distances of the object

and the image from the plane mirror is that
they are equal.
To verify this, consider the geometrical
construction shown in figure. Rays OP and
OD, starting from the object O, fall on the
mirror. The ray OP is perpendicular to the
Irregular or diffused reflection mirror and hence, reflects back along PO. The
The phenomenon due to which a parallel incident ray OD and the reflected ray DE
beam of light, travelling through some make equal angles with the normal DG. The
medium, gets reflected in various possible
two reflected rays when produced backwards
directions, on striking some rough surface is
called irregular reflection or diffused meet at I, producing a virtual image there.
reflection. E
The reflection which takes places from D
ground, walls, trees, suspended particles in G
air, and a variety of other objects, which are O I
not very smooth, is irregular reflection. P
Irregular reflection helps in spreading light
energy over a vast region and also decreases Now, EDG = DIO (DG || IO),
its intensity. Thus, it helps in the general EDG = GDO (law of reflection),
illumination of places and helps us to see
things around us. and

 Note : Laws of reflection are always valid no GDO = DOI (DG || IO).
matter whether reflection is regular or Hence, DIO = DOI
irregular.
 OD = DI

NATURE OF IMAGE Now OP2 = OD2 – DP2, and

 Definition : Incident rays starting from a PI2 = DI2 – DP2
point object, and reflected from a mirror,
either actually meet at or appear to come from From (i), since OD = DI, OP2 = PI2 or OP = PI.
a point. The other point is called the image of
the point object. So, in the case of a plane mirror, the image is
formed as far behind the mirror at the same
Real Image Virtual Image
1. A real image is formed 1. A virtual image is
distance as the object is in front of it.
when two or more formed when two or  SOME IMPORTANT RESULTS ABOUT
reflected rays meet at more rays appear to REFLECTION FROM PLANE SURFACES
a point in front of the be coming from a point
mirror. behind the mirror.  Lateral inversion : When you see your

2. A real image can be 2. A virtual image cannot

image in a vertical plane mirror such as that
obtained on a screen. be obtained on a screen. fixed to an almirah, the head in the image is
up and the feet are down, the same way as
3. A real image is inverted 3. A virtual image is erect
with respect to the with respect to the you actually stand on the floor. Such an
object. object. image is called an erect image. However, if
you move your right hand, it will appear as if
 the left hand of your image is moving. If you  Deviation :  is defined as the angle between
keep a printed page in front of a plane mirror, directions of incident ray and emergent ray.
the image of the letters appear erect but So if light is incident at an angle of incidence
inverted laterally, or sideways. Such an i,
inversion is called lateral inversion.  = 180º – (i + r) = (180º – 2i)
[as i = r]
L R R L

r
i
Object Image
Plane mirror
So if light is incident at angle of 30º, 
  Relative motion of object and image :    = (180º – 2 × 30º) = 120º and for normal
Case I : incidence i = 0º,  = 180º
If an object moves towards (or away from) a
plane mirror at speed v Characteristics of the image formed by a plane
mirror :

(i) The image formed by a plane mirror is

virtual.

(ii) The image formed by a plane mirror is erect.

The image will also approach (or recede) at (iii) The size of the image formed by a plane
speed v mirror is same as that of the size of the object.
If object is 10 cm high, then the image of this
The speed of image relative to object will be
object will also be 10 cm high.
v – (–v) = 2v.
(iv) The image formed by a plane mirror is at the
Case II :
same distance behind the mirror as the object is
If the mirror is moved towards or (away in front of it. Suppose, an object is placed at 5 cm
from) the object with speed 'v' in front of a plane mirror then its image will be at
The image will move towards (or away from) 5 cm behind the plane mirror.
the object with a speed '2v'. (v) The image formed by a plane mirror is laterally
inverted, i.e., the right side of the object appears as
 Multiple Reflection the left side of its image and vice-versa.
Number of images formed by combination of plane
mirrors depends upon angle between mirrors.


90°

 If there are two plane mirrors inclined to each

other at an angle 90° , the number of images of a

Lateral Inversion
point object formed are 3.
 REFLECTION FROM SPHERICAL MIRROR Radius of curvature : The distance between
the pole and the centre of curvature of the
 INTRODUCTION : There are two types of mirror, is called the radius of curvature of the
spherical mirrors: mirror. It is equal to the radius of the
(i) Concave mirror : spherical shell of which the mirror is a
A section. In diagram, PC is the radius of
curvature of the mirror. It is represented by
Principal the symbol R.
axis  Focal length : The distance between the pole
F P and principal focus of the mirror, is called the
focal length of the mirror. In diagram, PF is
the focal length of the mirror. It is represented
B
by the symbol f.
(ii) Convex mirror :
R
A f  for convex
2
Principal R
axis f=  for concave
2
P F C
Principal section : A section of the spherical
mirror cut by a plane passing through its
B centre of curvature and the pole of the mirror,
is called a principal section of the mirror. It
  SOME TERMS ASSOCIATED WITH contains the principal axis. In diagram, APB
SPHERICAL MIRRORS. is the principal section of the mirror cut by
 Aperture. The diameter of the circular rim of the plane of the book page.
the mirror. In diagram AB is the aperture of
the mirror.
 Pole : The centre of the spherical surface of
RULES FOR IMAGE FORMATION BY
RAY DIAGRAM METHOD
the mirror is called the pole of the mirror. It
lies on the surface. In diagram, P is the pole  RULES FOR IMAGE FORMATION FROM
of the mirror. CONCAVE MIRROR
 Centre of curvature : The centre of the (a)When the light ray incident parallel to the
spherical shell, of which the mirror is a principal axis.
section, is called centre of curvature of the A ray light parallel to
mirror. It lies outside the surface. Every point the principal axis
on mirror surface lies at same distance from
it. In diagram, C is the centre of curvature of Principal axis P
the mirror. C F
 Principal axis : The straight line passing
through the pole and the centre of curvature
of the mirror, is called principal axis of the
OR
mirror.
When the light ray incident towards focus.
 Principal focus : It is a point on the principal
Reflected ray goes parallel
axis of the mirror, such that the rays incident
to the principal axis
on the mirror parallel to the principal axis
after reflection, actually meet at this point (in
P
case of a concave mirror) or appear to come
C F
from it (in case of a convex mirror). In
diagram, F is the principal focus of the
mirror.
 (b)When the light ray incident towards centre of  SIGN CONVENTION
curvature. (a) Description : It is a convention which fixes
A ray of light passing the signs of different distances measured. The
through the centre of sign convention to be followed is the New
curvature Cartesian sign convention. It gives the
following rules :
C F P 1. All distances are measured from the pole of
the mirror.
2. The distances measured in the same direction
as the direction of incident light from pole are
taken as positive.
(c)When the light ray incident on the pole of the
3. The distances measured in the direction
mirror. opposite to the direction on incident light
Incident ray from pole are taken as negative.
4. Distances measured upward and
C F i perpendicular to the principal axis, are taken
r P
as positive.
Reflected ray 5. Distances measured downward and
perpendicular to the principal axis, are taken
 RULES FOR IMAGE FORMATION FROM as negative.
CONVEX MIRROR
(a)When the light ray incident parallel to the IMAGE FORMATION BY SPHERICAL
principal axis. MIRROR IN DIFFERENT CASES
Reflected ray Introduction : From mirror formula, we find that
Incident ray for a mirror of a fixed focal length f, as object
P F distance u changes, image distance  also
Principal axis changes.

(A) BY CONCAVE MIRROR :


OR (1) Object at Infinity
  When the light ray incident parallel to the A point object lying on the principal axis.
principal axis. Rays come parallel to the principal axis and
after reflection from the mirror actually meet
Incident ray at the focus F.
Reflected ray The image is formed at F. It is real and point
P F sized (fig.)
Principal axis

(b)When the light ray incident on the mirror C P

F
directing towards centre of curvature.
Rays traveling towards
C behind the mirror Fig. Concave mirror : point object at infinity,
90°
image at focus.
(2) Object Beyond Centre of Curvature
P F C Real object AB has its image AB formed
between focus and centre of curvature. The
image is real-inverted and diminished.
 B B
A
C F P
A' P
A C F
Parallel rays
B' to infinity
Concave mirror : object beyond centre of Concave mirror : object at focus image at
curvature, image between focus and centre of infinity.
curvature.
(6) Object between Focus and Pole
(3) Object at Centre of Curvature Real object AB has its image AB formed
behind the mirror. The image is virtual-erect
Real object AB, has its image AB formed at
and enlarged.
centre of curvature.
B'
The image is real-inverted and has same size
as the object. (fig.). B
B C FA P A'

A
C A' P
F Fig. Concave mirror : Object between pole
and focus, image behind the mirror.
B'
(B) BY CONVEX MIRROR :
Concave mirror : object at centre of
(1) Object at infinity
curvature, image at centre of curvature
A point object lying on the principal axis.
(4) Object between Centre of Curvature and Focus
Rays come parallel to the principal axis and
Real object AB has its image AB formed after reflection from the mirror, appear to
beyond centre of curvature. diverge from focus F behind the mirror.
The image is real-inverted and enlarged The image is formed at F.
(bigger in size than the object). (Fig.) The image is virtual and point sized. [fig.]
B

A'
P P
CA F F C

B'
Fig. Convex mirror : point object at infinity,
Concave mirror : object between centre of
virtual image at focus.
curvature and focus, image beyond centre of
curvature.
(2) Object at anywhere on principle axis

(5) Object at Focus

Real object AB has its image formed at
infinity.
The image is imaginary inverted (reflected
rays go downward) and must have very large O IF C
size.

Image is virtual & point sized

 NUMERICAL METHOD IN SPHERICAL Between Behind Enlarged Virtual
MIRROR P and F the and
mirror erect

(A) Mirror formula at infinite at focus highly virtual

diminished point
 Definition : The equation relating the object

convex mirror
distance (u) the image distance (v) and the size
mirror focal length (f) is called the mirror anywhere between diminished virtual
formula. on pole & erect
1 1 1 principal focus
  axis
v u f


 Assumptions made :  SOLVED EXAMPLES 

(i) The mirror has a small aperture. Ex.1 An object is placed in front of a plane mirror.
(ii) The object lies close to principal axis of the If the mirror is moved away from the object
mirror.
through a distance x, by how much distance
(iii) The incident rays make small angles with the
mirror surface or the principal axis. will the image move?
Sol. Suppose the object O was initially at a
(B) linear magnification For spherical mirrors distance d from the plane mirror M as shown
 Definition : The ratio of the size of the in fig. The image formed at O’ is at a distance
image, as formed by reflection from the
mirror to the size of the object, is called linear d behind the mirror. Now, the mirror is
magnification produced by the mirror. It is shifted by a distance x to M’ such that the
represented by the symbol m. distance of the object from M’ becomes d + x.
v height of image The image now formed at O” which is also at
m 
u height of object a distance d + x from M’.
(C) Power of mirror
1 M M'
Power of a mirror [in Diopters] = O
f (in metre ) O' O''

SUMMARY OF IMAGES BY SPHERICAL d

MIRROR d
So, OM = MO' = d
Nature OM' = M'O" = d + x
Position Position Size of
of
of object of Image Image Thus, OO" = OM' + M'O" = 2(d + x) ...(1)
Image
when OO' = OM + MO' = 2d ...(2)
At infinity At focus Highly Real and
F diminished inverted   O'O" = OO" – OO'
= 2(d + x) – 2d
Beyond C Between Diminished Real and = 2x
Concave mirror

F inverted Thus, the image is shifted from O' to O" by a

and C distance 2x.
At C At C Same size Real and
inverted Ex.2 An insect is at a distance of 1.5m from a
plane mirror. Calculate the following?
Between Beyond C Enlarged Real and
F and C inverted (i) Distance at which the image of the insect
is formed.
At F At infinity Highly Real and
enlarged inverted (ii) distance between the insect and its image.
Sol. (i) The distance of insect from the mirror 15 cm
= 1.5 m
The distance of insect from the mirror A
is also equal to 1.5 m. The image is B'
B F
formed at 1.5 m behind the mirror.
(ii) The distance between the insect and A'
image
= 1.5 + 1.5 = 3m 30 cm
Sol. Here u = –15 cm and  = –30 cm
Ex.3 A concave mirror is made up by cutting a Size of the object, h = 2 cm
portion of a hollow glass sphere of radius 30 h' v
Magnification, m = m = 
cm. Calculate the focal length of the mirror. h u
Sol. The radius of curvature of the mirror = 30 cm h' (30)
or =– =2
Thus, the focal length of the mirror h (15)
or h' = – 2 × h = – 2 × 3
30cm
= = 15cm = – 6 cm
2
So the height of the image is 6 cm. The minus
Ex.4 An object is placed at a distance of 15 cm sign shows that it is on the lower side of the
from a concave mirror of focal length 10 cm. principal axis, i.e. the image is inverted.
Find the position of the image.
15 cm
Ex.6 A 1.4 cm long object is placed perpendicular
to the principal axis of a convex mirror of
A focal length 15 cm at a distance of 10 cm
B' from it. Calculate the following :
B F
(i) location of the image
A' 10 cm
(ii) height of the image
30 cm (iii) nature of the image
Sol. We have u = –15 cm and f = –10 cm A
1 1 1 A'
Using the relation,, + = we get
v u f B10 cm
6 cm B' F C
1 1 1
+ =
v  15  10
1 1 1 1 15cm
or = – =–
v 15 10 30 Sol. (i) For a convex mirror, focal length is positive.
or v = –30 cm Therefore, f = +15 cm and u = –10 cm
So the image will be formed 30 cm from the
1 1 1
mirror. Since  has a negative sign, the image Using the relation, + = , we get
v u f
is formed to the left of the mirror, i.e. in front
of the mirror as shown in fig. 1 1 1
+ =
v  10 15
Ex.5 A 3 cm long object is placed perpendicular to 1 1 1 5 1
the principal axis of a concave mirror. The or = + = =
v 15 10 30 6
distance of the object from the mirror is 15
or  = 6 cm
cm, and its image is formed 30 cm from the
mirror on the same side of the mirror as the Since  is positive, the image is formed to the
object . Calculate the height of the image right of the mirror at a distance 6 cm from it.
formed.
 (ii) Magnification, Sol. Object distance, u = –30
h' v Image distance, = –60
or m= = –
h u (real image is formed on the same side)
h' 6 1 1 1
= = + 0.6 Now, using the mirror formula, + =
h  10 v u f
or h' = + 0.6 × h0 = 0.6 × 1.4 we get
= 0.84 cm. 1 1 1
+ =
Thus, the height of the image is 0.84 cm.  60  30 f
(iii) Since h' is positive, the image will be on the 1 3 1
same side of the principal axis as the object. or =– =–
f 60 20
Hence, the image is virtual, erect and
diminished. or f = – 20 cm
Focal length of the mirror = 20 cm
Ex.7 An object is placed at a distance of 40 cm h' v
Magnification m= =–
from a convex mirror of focal length 30 cm. h u
Find the position of image and its nature.
h' (60)
or =–
A 3 (30)
A'
or h' = 3 × (–2) = –6 cm
B 40 cm B' F C The height of the image is 6 cm. The negative
sign shows that the image is inverted.

30cm
Ex.9 A 1 cm high object is placed at 20 cm in front
Sol. Here, object distance, u = –40 cm of a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm.
Focal length of convex mirror, f = +30 cm Find the position and nature of the image.
1 1 1 Sol. u = –20 cm, f = –15 cm, h0 = 1 cm
Now, using mirror formula, + = we
v u f 1 1 1
get Using mirror formula, + = we get
v u f
1 1 1
+ = 1 1 1
v  40 30 + =
v  20  15
1 1 1 7
or = + = 1 1 1 1
v 40 30 120 or =– + =–
v 15 2v 60
120
or =   = – 60 cm
7
The image is formed 60 cm from the mirror.
The positive sign shows that the image is Since, the signs of u and  are the same, the
formed on the right, i.e. behind the mirror. object and image are formed on the same side
Now, magnification, of the mirror. Therefore, the image is real.
v 120 3 Now magnification,
m = – =– =+
u 7  (40) 7 h' v 60 cm
m= = = = –3
Since, the magnification is positive, the image h u  20 cm
is erect. Thus, the image is formed 17.1 cm  h’ = –3h = – 3 × 1 cm = – 3cm
behind the mirror. The image is virtual, erect
and diminished. The negative sign shows that the image is
inverted. Thus, the image is real, inverted and
Ex.8 A 3 cm high object is placed at a distance of of size 3 cm and formed 60 cm in front of the
30 cm from a concave mirror. A real image is mirror.
formed 60 cm from the mirror. Calculate the
focal length of the mirror and the size of the
image.
Ex.10 An object 4 cm high is placed 25 cm in front h' 60 / 7 60 3
of a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. At or =– =+ =
5 (20) 7  20 7
what distance from the mirror should a screen
be placed in order to obtain a sharp image? 3 15
or h' = 5 × = cm
Find the nature and size of image. 7 7
Sol. Here, u = –25 cm, f = –15 cm, h = + 4 cm
1 1 1 The height of the image is 2.1 cm. Positive
Using the mirror formula, + = , we get
v u f sign shows that the image is erect.
1 1 1
or + =
v  25  15 Ex.12 A convex mirror used on a automobile has 3
m radius of curvature. If a bus is located 5 m
1 1 1 1 1 2
or = – =– + =– from this mirror, find the position, nature and
v  15  25 15 25 75 size of image.
75
or = = –37.5 cm
2 Sol. Here, u = –5 m, r = +3m
Thus, the screen must be placed 37.5 cm from
r 3
the mirror on the same side as the object.  f= =+ 1.5 m
2 7
h' v
Now, magnification, m = = 1 1 1
h u Using the relation, + = , we get
v u f
h' (37.5)
 = – 1.5 1 1 1
4.0 cm (25) or + =
v  5 1. 5
or h' = – 1.5 × 4 = –6 cm
Negative sign shows that the image is 1 1 1
or = + = + 1.15 m
inverted. Hence, the image is real, inverted v 1. 5 5
and of size 6 cm. The image is 1.15 m behind the mirror.
h' v 1.15
Ex.11 An object 5 cm high is placed at a distance of Magnification, m = =– =– = + 0.23
h u (5)
20 cm from a convex mirror of radius of
curvature 30 cm. Find the position, nature and Thus, the image is virtual, erect and smaller
size of image. in size than the object.
Sol. Here, u = –20 cm, h = 5 cm
Radius of curvature, r = +30 cm IMPORTANT POINTS TO BE REMEMBER
r 30  Laws of reflection :
 Focal length, f = =+ = + 15 cm
2 2 (a) Angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
1 1 1 reflection .
Using the mirror formula, + = , we get
v u f
(b) The incident ray, the reflected ray and the
1 1 1
+ = normal all lie in the same plane.
v  20  15
 Mirror : A smooth, highly polished reflecting
1 1 1 7
or = + = surface is called a mirror. There are two types
v 15 20 60
of mirrors : (a) plane mirror (b) curved
60
or  = cm mirrors
7
Curved mirrors are classified as spherical
The image is formed 8.5 cm from the mirror.
The positive sign shows that the image is mirrors or parabolic mirrors depending upon
formed on the other side or behind the mirror. the curvature of the mirror.
So the image is virtual.
  Concave mirror : A spherical mirror whose
h' v inner hollow surface is the reflecting surface
Magnification, m= =–
h u
 is called concave mirror. A concave mirror Virtual image : The image which can be
forms a real, inverted image of an object if seen into a mirror but cannot be obtained on a
the object is placed at any place outside F. screen is called a virtual image. A virtual
However, when the object lies between F and image is formed only when the reflected or
P, the image formed is erect and virtual. the refracted rays appear to come from a
 Convex mirror : A spherical mirror whose point.
outer bulging at surface is the reflecting  Sign convention for spherical mirrors :
surface is called convex mirror. The image According to the sign convention for mirror,
formed by a convex mirror is always erect, the focal length of a concave mirror is
virtual and smaller than the object whatever negative and that of a convex mirror is
may be the position of the object. A convex positive.
mirror is used as a side-mirror (driver’s
 Mirrors formula : The relationship,
mirror) on automobiles.
1 1 1
 Aperture of a mirror : The effective width   is called the mirror formula.
f v u
of a spherical mirror from which reflection
 Magnification : The ratio of the size of the
can take place is called its aperture.
image to that of the object is called
 Pole : The centre of a curved mirror is called
magnification. For a mirror, magnification
its pole.
(M) is given by,
 Centre of curvature : The centre of the
v h
hollow sphere of which the spherical mirror is M=– = i
u ho
a part is called its centre of curvature. The
centre of curvature of a concave mirror is in 1
power (in diopters ) 
front of it, while that of a convex mirror is f ( metre )
behind it. 
Radius of curvature : Radius of the hollow CONCLUSIONS FROM THE SIGN CONVENTION
sphere of which the mirror is a part is called For spherical mirror :
its radius of curvature.
 Principal axis : A straight line passing Distance of the object, u is negative
through the centre of curvature and pole of a Distance of the real image, v is negative
spherical mirror is called its principal axis. Distance of the virtual image v is positive
Focus : A point on the principal axis of a Focal length, f is negative for
concave & f is +
mirror at which the rays coming from infinity
ve for convex
meet or appear to meet is called its focus.
Radius of curvature, R is negative
Focus is denoted by F.
for concave &
Focal length : The distance between the pole R is + ve for
of a spherical mirror and the focus is called convex
the focal of a spherical mirror. Height of the object, O is positive
 Real image : The image which can be Height of the inverted (real) image, I is negative
obtained on a screen is called a real image. A Height of the erect (virtual) image, I is positive
real image is formed only when the reflected
or refracted rays actually meet at a point.
 EXERCISE # 1

A. Very Short Answer Type Questions Q.13 We known that plane and convex mirrors
produce virtual images of objects. Can they
Q.1 A ray of light is incident on a plane mirror, i produce real images under some
being the angle of incidence. What is the circumstances ? Explain
deviation suffered by the ray of light? Q.14 The wall of a room is covered with perfect
plane mirror. Two movie films are made, one
Q.2 A plane mirror reflects a pencil of light to
recording the movement of a man and the
form a real image. What is the nature of the
other of his mirror image. From viewing the
pencil of light incident on the mirror?
films later, can an outsider tell which is
Q.3 Define principal axis of a spherical mirror. which?

Q.15 A concave mirror is held in water. What

Q.4 What is the focal length of a plane mirror?
would be the change in the focal length of the
Q.5 Two perpendicular plane mirror forms mirror?
.............. number of images of a point source Q.16 What is the difference between the virtual
of light. images produced by (i) plane mirror,
Q.6 What is the magnification produced by a (ii) concave mirror, (iii) convex mirror?
plane mirror?
Q.17 Show that if a ray of light is reflected
Q.7 Which mirror would you use for shaving? successively from two mirrors inclined at an
angle , the deviation of the ray does not
Q.8 Suppose x and y are distances of object and depend upon the angle of incidence.
image respectively from a mirror. What shall
Q.18 Use the mirror equation to deduce that an
1
be the shape of the graph between and object placed between f and 2f of a concave
x
mirror produces a real image beyond 2f.
1
for a concave mirror ?
y Q.19 Show that a convex mirror always produces a
virtual image independent of the location of
B.  Short Answer Type Questions the object.

Q.9 An object is placed between two plane Q.20 Prove that the virtual image produced by a
parallel mirrors. Why do the distant images convex mirror is always diminished in size
get fainter and fainter? and is located between the focus and the pole.

Q.10 Why mirrors used in search light are Q.21 Show analytically that an object placed
parabolic and not concave spherical? between the pole and focus of a concave
mirror produces a virtual and enlarged image.
Q.11 You read a newspaper because of the light
that it reflects. Then why do you not see even Q.22 We know that a virtual image cannot be
a faint image of yourself in the newspaper? obtained on a screen. But when we see a
virtual image, we are obviously bringing it on
Q.12 If you were driving a car, what type of mirror the retina (may be regarded as a screen) of the
would you prefer to use for observing traffic eye. Point out the contradiction, if any.
at your back and why?
Q.23 Why a concave mirror of small aperture
Q.30 Find formulae for magnification produced in
forms a sharper image?
the following cases : (i) concave mirror, when
Q.24 What do you understand by the term image formed is real (ii) concave mirror,
‘parallax’? when image formed is virtual (ii) convex
mirror.
Q.25 How can you distinguish between three
different mirrors just by looking at them?
Q.31 Draw a ray diagram to show the formation of
Q.26 What is the effect of size of mirror on the image of an object placed between the pole
nature of image ? and centre of curvature of a concave mirror.
Derive the formula connecting object distance
Q.27 Is irregular reflection follows the laws of (u), image distance () and focal length (f) for
reflections or not ? this particular case for the given concave
mirror. State clearly the assumptions and sign
conventions used.
C.  Long Answer Type Questions
Q.32 Express magnification produced by a
Q.28 Prove that the radius of curvature of a
spherical mirror in terms of (i) u and f(ii) 
spherical mirror is equal to twice the focal
and f.
length of the mirror.

Q.29 Derive mirror formula for a concave mirror

when image formed is (i) real (ii) virtual Also
give the sign convention used.
 EXERCISE # 2
Q.8 Air is not visible because it-
Single Correct Answer type Questions (A) is nearly a perfectly transparent

Q.1 A child walks towards a fixed plane mirror at (B) neither absorbs nor reflects light
a speed of 5 km h–1. The velocity of the (C) transmits whole of light
image with respect to mirror is - (D) all of the above are correct
(A) 5 km h–1 (B) –5 km h–1
(C) 10 km h–1 (D) –10 km h–1 Q.9 According to laws of reflection of light -
(A) Angle of incidence is equal to the angle
Q.2 The letter that does not show lateral of reflection
inversion-
(B) Angle of incidence is less than the angle
(A) Z (B) M (C) O (D) W of reflection

Q.3 In a plane mirror, an object is 0.5 m in front (C) Angle of incidence is greater than the
of the mirror. The distance between object angle of reflection
and image is - (D) None of these
(A) 0.5 m (B) 1 m
(C) 0.25 m (D) 0.75 m Q.10 Which of the following correctly represents
graphical relation between angle of incidence
Q.4 An object 0.5 m tall is in front of a plane (i) and angle of reflection (r) ?
mirror at a distance of 0.2 m. The size of the y y
image formed is- i i
(A) 0.2 m (B) 0.5 m (C) 0.1 m (D) 1 m (A) (B)
O x O x
Q.5 A plane mirror is approaching you at 10 cm r r
s–1. Your image shall approach you with a y y
speed of- i i
(A) + 10 cm s–1 (B) – 10 cm s–1 (C) (D)
(C) + 20 cm s–1 (D) – 20 cm s–1 O x O x
r r

Q.6 The path along which light travels in a Q.11 A light ray falls on a mirror and deviates by
homogeneous medium is called a- 60° then the angle of reflection will be
(A) beam of light (B) ray of light (A) 30° (B) 90°
(C) pencil of light (D) none of these (C) 60° (D) 180°

Q.12 A ray of light is incident on a plane mirror at an

Q.7 A thin layer of water is transparent but a very
thick layer of water is- angle . If the angle between the incident and
reflected rays is 80°, what is the value of .
(A) translucent (B) opaque
(A) 40° (B) 50°
(C) most transparent (D) none of these
(C) 45° (D) 55°
Q.13 Light shows - Q.18 The magnification produced by a concave
(A) Random propagation mirror -
(B) Curvilinear propagation (A) is always more than one
(C) Rectilinear propagation (B) is always less than one
(D) None of these (C) is always equal to one
(D) may be less than or greater than one
Q.14 The image of the moon is formed by a
concave mirror whose radius of curvature is Q.19 Choose the correct relation between u, v and
4.8 m at a time when distance from the moon R-
is 2.4 × 108 m . if the diameter is of the image 2uv 2
(A) R  (B) R 
is 2.2 cm, the diameter of the moon is- uv uv
(A) 1.1 × 106 m (B) 2.2 × 106 m 2( u  v )
(C) R  (D) none of these
(C) 2.2 × 108 m (D) 2.2 × 1010 m ( uv)
Q.15 The focal length of a concave mirror is f and
the distance of the object from the principal
Q.20 The image formed by a concave mirror is
focus is a. The magnitude of magnification
real, inverted and of the same size as that of
obtained will be-
the object. The position of the object should
(A) (f + a)/f (B) f /a be-
(C) f/ a (D) f2/a2 (A) Beyond C (B) Between C and F
(C) At C (D) At F
Q.16 The magnification of an object placed 10 cm
from a convex mirror of radius of curvature Q.21 A boy is standing in front of a plane mirror at
20 cm will be- a distance of 3m form it. What is the distance
(A) 0.2 (B) 0.5 between the boy and his image ?
(C) 1 (D) infinity (A) 3 m (B) 4.5 m
(C) 6 m (D) none of these
Q.17 The image formed by a concave mirror is
observed to be virtual, erect and larger than
the object. then the position of the object
should be-
(A) between the focus and the centre of
curvature
(B) at the centre of curvature
(C) beyond the centre of curvature
(D) between the pole of the mirror and the
focus
 ANSWER KEY
EXERCISE-1
1.  – 2i 2. virtual 5. 3
1 1 1
6. 1 7. plane mirror 8.    linear
v u f
1
9. as I  10. They reflect light parallel 15. No change
r2
26. Image becomes brighter 27. Yes

EXERCISE-2

Ques 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
Ans B A B B C B A D A D C B C B B
Ques 16 17 18 19 20 21
Ans B D D A C C