Optics:

Branch of Physics which deals about the different phenomenon of light (like
reflection, refraction, scattering etc.) is called optics.
Light:
it is the form of energy which stimulates or excites the sense of organ of
vision. Luminous bodies:
Those bodies which emit light by themselves are called luminous bodies. E.g. Sun,
burning candle etc.
Non-luminous bodies:
Those bodies which do not emit light by themselves are called non-luminous bodies. E.g.,
book, fan etc.
REFLECTION AT PLANE & CURVED SURFACES
Ray:
Representation of direction of propagation of light is called Ray.
Beam:
collection of large number of rays is called beam.
Parallel Beam Convergent Beam Divergent Beam
Reflection of light:
The phenomenon of coming back of light in the same medium when it falls on a surface
is known as reflection of light
Laws of reflection of light:

1.The incident ray, the reflected ray and the normal at the point of incidences lie
in the same plane.
2.The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
Regular reflection:
When parallel rays of light are incident on the reflecting / smooth surface if the reflected
rays are also parallel to each other, then such type of reflection is called regular reflection.

Irregular/Diffuse reflection:
when parallel rays of light are incident on the rough surface if the reflected rays of light are
not parallel to each other, then such type of reflection is called irregular reflection.
Due to diffuse reflection, we can see objects.
Rectilinear propagation of light: Light always travel in a straight path within a single
medium. This phenomenon of light is called rectilinear propagation of light.
Glancing angle(g): Angle made by incident ray with the mirror/reflecting surface is
called glancing angle. Its value ranges from 00 to 900.
Angle of deviation(δ):
Angle between the path of incident ray and reflected ray is called angle of
deviation. Relation between Glancing angle and Angle of deviation

Let us consider a plane mirror XY. When a ray of light AO

incident at the point O on the surface of the mirror with glancing angle α, the ray is reflected
along OB as shown in fig. NO is normal drawn at point O.
AOC is path of incident ray before reflection and OB be the path of reflection when it
incident on a plane mirror. Now, angle of deviation(δ)= ∠𝐵𝑂𝐶 = ∠BOY + ∠YOC
or, δ= (90-r) + α
= (90-i) +α
= α+α
∴δ= 2α
Thus, the angle of deviation of a ray by a plane mirror is equal to the twice of the
glancing angle.

Deviation of Reflected Ray by Rotating a Mirror/Law of Rotation of Light

It states that, “By keeping the incident ray constant, when a mirror rotates through an angle θ,
then reflected ray rotates through angle 2θ”
Let us consider XY is plane mirror. When a ray of light AO is incident at point O on
the surface of the mirror with glancing angle α, the ray is reflected along OB. Then
deviation
∠BOC= 2α …… (1)
Suppose the mirror is rotated through an angle θ, on keeping incident ray fixed, the
reflected ray then rotates along OB! through an angle 𝛽.
Net deviation produced by plane mirror is
∠B/OC = 2(α +θ)
Angle of rotation of reflected ray (∠B!OB =∠B!OC-∠BOC = 2(θ +α)-2α
∴𝛽 = 2θ

Real and Virtual Images

If light rays, after reflection or refraction, actually meets at a point then real image is
formed and if they appear to meet virtual image is formed.
 I O O I

(Real image) (Virtual (Real object) (Virtual

object) image)

SPHERICAL MIRROR

A mirror which forms a part of spherical reflecting surface is called

spherical/curved mirror.
Difference between Concave Mirror and Convex Mirror

Concave mirror Convex mirror

A spherical mirror in which reflecting A spherical mirror in which reflection

surface is inside of the sphere of which takes place in the outside of a sphere of
mirror forms a part is called concave which the mirror forms a part is called
mirror convex mirror

It is depressed at the middle on the It is bulged at the middle on the

reflecting surface. reflecting surface.
 It is also called converging mirror. It is also called diverging mirror.
It forms real as well as virtual image of It forms only virtual image of real
real object. object.
The magnification of concave mirror The magnification of convex mirror is
can be greater, equal or less than 1. always less than 1.
These mirrors are used as reflectors in These mirrors are used rear-view
projector, lighthouse headlights, search mirror in vehicles.
light etc

Terms used in Spherical Mirror

i
a) Pole (P):
Centre of spherical reflecting surface.
b) Centre of curvature (C):
center of a spherical mirror.
c) Radius of curvature (R)
Radius of a spherical
mirror or distance between
pole and center of
curvature.
d) Principal axis:
line joining pole and center
of curvature.
e) Principal focus (F):
A point where all parallel beam of light after reflection converges or appears to
diverge from that point is called principal focus.
In concave mirror, focus point is real.
In convex mirror, focus point is virtual.
f) Focal length(f):
 Distance between pole and principal focus is called focal length.
In concave mirror, focal length is positive
In convex mirror, focal length is
negative.
g) Aperture:
An aperture of a mirror or lens is a point from which the reflection of light
actually happens. It also gives the size of the mirror

Relation between Radius of Curvature (R) and Focal Length (f)

For Concave mirror

Consider a concave mirror of a small aperture. When a ray of light OA parallel

to the principal axis is incident at point A on the mirror, it will be reflected along AB
passing through the focus F as shown in figure. Join AC which is normal at A.
From laws of reflection of light,
∠OAC = ∠FAC ………….(1)
and, ∠OAC = ∠ACF …………….(2)
due to alternate angle. So, ∆ABC is an isosceles triangle and, in such
triangle, AF = FC ………………. (3)
If the aperture of the mirror is small, then points A and P are very close to each other
and we will have
AF ≈ 𝑃𝐹. Thus eqn (3)
becomes PF = FC = PC – PF
or, 2PF = PC
or, 2f = R
∴f = R/2
Thus, focal length of a concave
mirror is one half of its radius of
curvature.
For Convex mirror
 Consider a convex mirror of focal length f and small aperture. A ray of light OA parallel
to the principal axis is incident at point A on the
mirror and it passes along AB after
reflection as shown in figure.

The virtual image will be formed at F in the next side of the object. Join CA and
produce outward. Here C is the center of curvature and P is the pole of the mirror. We
have,
∠OAN = ∠NAB ……………..(1)
∠OAN = ∠ACF ……………..(2)
∠CAF = ∠NAB ………………
(3) From eqn(1) and eqn (2), we
have
∠ACF = ∠NAB ………(4)
Again, from eqn (3) and eqn (4) ,
we have
∠CAF = ∠ACF
Hence, ∆ACF is an isosceles triangle. So,
AF = FC …………(5)
If the aperture of the mirror is small, then points A and P will lies very close to each other.
So, AF ≈ PF and eqn (5) becomes
PF = FC = PC – PF
or, 2PF = PC ⇒ 2f = R
∴ f = R/2.
MIRROR FORMULA

An expression showing the relation between object distance(u), image distance(v)

and 1 1 1
focal length(f) of a mirror is called mirror formula. I.e., = +
𝑓 𝑢
𝑣
To derive mirror formula following assumptions & conventions are made
(1) Aperture of mirror must be small.
(2) Objects should be placed on the principal axis in the form of a point object
(3) All distances are measured from the pole of mirror.
(4)Distances for real objects and real images are taken as positive where as that of virtual
objects and virtual images are taken as negative
(5)Focal length and Radius of Curvature of a concave mirror are taken positive whereas that of
convex mirror are negative.
Mirror Formula for CONCAVE MIRROR when REAL IMAGE is formed

Concave mirror forms real, inverted and diminished image when an object is placed beyond
the principal focus(F).
X

Consider a concave mirror of focal length(f) and a small aperture XY. A ray of light BN

parallel to principal axis incident at point N and reflects along NB' through F. Let C be the

center of curvature. Another ray of light from B incident normally on the mirror and reflect

an
its same path through C. These two reflected rays meet at a point B' so A'B' is the real image of

an object AB. Draw NS perpendicular to the principal axis shown in

figure. From fig;∆A'B'F and ∆NSF are similar so,

𝐴 ′𝐵′
=
𝐴 ′𝐹 ……….(1)
𝑁𝑆
𝐹𝑆
Since aperture is very small so point S&P are very close.

∴FP = FS and also AB = NS then equation (1) can be written as

𝐴′𝐵′
=
( 𝑃𝐴 ′ −𝑃𝐹 ) = (v – f)/f …….(2)
𝐴𝐵 𝐹𝑃
Also, ∆A B R and ∆ABR are similar so,
' '

2𝑓−𝑣
= 𝑃𝐴−𝑃𝑅 = ………….(3)
𝐴′𝐵′ 𝐴′𝑅 𝑃𝑅−𝑃𝐴 ′
𝐴𝐵 = 𝑅𝐴
𝑢 −2𝑓
From eqn (2) and (3)

(v-f)/f = (2f-v)/(u-2f) ⇒ (v-f)(u-2f) = f(2f-v)

or, uv- 2vf -uf +2f2 = 2f2 – vf

or, uv = vf+ uf

Dividing b.s. by uvf then,

𝑢𝑣 = 𝑣𝑓 𝑢𝑓
𝑢 𝑣𝑓 𝑢 𝑣𝑓 +
𝑢 𝑣𝑓
1 1 1
∴ = +
𝑓 𝑢
𝑣

Mirror formula for concave mirror when virtual image is formed

 concave mirror forms erect, enlarged and virtual image when an object is placed between

F and P.

Consider a concave mirror of focal length F and a small aperture XY. A ray of light BN parallel

to principal axis incident at N and reflect along NF. Another ray of light passing through C

incident normally so that it reflects in its own path. These virtual reflected rays meet it B'.

Therefore, A'B' is the virtual image of an object AB. Drawing NS perpendicular on principal

axis as shown in figure.

Now, ∆ABC and ∆A'B'C are similar then,

= 𝐴 ′ 𝐶 ……….(1)
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′

And, ∆NSF and ∆A'B'C are similar then,

= 𝐴 ′ 𝐹 since aperture is very small so point P and S are very close i.e. SF = PF and PN
𝑁𝑆 𝑆𝐹
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′
=
AB then,
 = 𝐴 ′ 𝐹 …………(2)
𝐴𝐵 𝑃𝐹
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′

𝐴𝐶 𝑃𝐹 𝑃𝐹
From eqn (1) and (2); = ⇒ 𝑃𝐶−𝑃𝐴
𝐴′𝐶 𝐴 ′𝐹 𝐴 ′ 𝑃+𝑃𝐶= 𝐴
′ 𝑃+𝑃𝐹
2𝑓 −𝑢
𝑓 +2𝑓 = ⇒ (2f-u)(f-v) = f(2f-v)
−𝑣
−𝑣 +𝑓
or, 2f2 – 2fv – uf + uv = 2f2 -fv

or, uv = fv + uf

Dividing by uvf then

𝑢
= 𝑓𝑣 + 𝑢 𝑓
𝑢𝑣𝑣𝑓 𝑢 𝑣+
𝑢 𝑣𝑓
1 1 1
∴𝑓 =𝑢+
𝑣

MIRROR FORMULA for CONVEX MIRROR

Convex mirror forms virtual, erect and diminished image if object is real.

Consider a convex mirror of focal

length f and small aperture XY. An

object AB is placed in front of the mirror

so that it forms a virtual and erect image

at another side of it. Drawing NS perpendicular to principal axis as shown in figure.

Also, ∆ABC and ∆A'B'C are similar so,

= 𝐴 ′ 𝐶 = 𝑃𝐶−𝑃𝐴 …………..(1)
𝐴𝐵 𝐴𝐶 𝐴𝑃+𝑃𝐶
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′
′

Also, ∆NSF and ∆A'B'F are similar so,

 = 𝐴 ′ 𝐹 Since aperture is very small so point P is very close to S i.e. SF = PF and NS =
𝑁𝑆 𝑆𝐹
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′
AB
then
𝑃𝐹
𝐴𝐵
=
𝑃𝐹 ……….(2)
𝐴 ′𝐵 ′ 𝐴 ′ 𝐹 = 𝑃𝐹−𝑃𝐴
′

Now, From eqn (1) and (2)

(AP + PC)/(PC-PA') = PF/(PF - PA')

or, (u – 2f)/(-2f + v) = -f/(-f + v)

or, (u – 2f) (v-f) = -f (v – 2f)

or, uv – uf – 2vf + 2f2 = -vf + 2f2

or, uv = vf + uf

Dividing by uvf then

1 1 1
𝑓
= 𝑢
+
𝑣

Spherical Aberration and Parabolic Mirror

Marginal rays:

The rays of light which are far from the principal axis are called marginal rays.
These rays converge near to the pole of the mirror after reflection.
Paraxial rays:

The rays of light which are near to the principal axis are called paraxial rays.
These rays converge far from the pole of the mirror after reflection.
When wide beam of light parallel to principal axis is incident on a concave
mirror of wide
aperture then reflected rays do not pass through a single point, they cross at different
points on the axis forming curve known as caustic curve. Since reflected rays don’t focus at
single point so image is not clear.
Spherical Aberration: The distortion in image produced due to the inability of mirror to
focus
marginal and paraxial rays at a single point is in an eye is called spherical aberration.
Parabolic mirror: A mirror which has reflecting surface in the shape of parabola is called
parabolic mirror. Parabolic mirror is used to remove spherical aberration because it converges
wide parallel beam of light at a single focus and gives clear image.

Magnification
It is defined as the ratio of the size of image to the size of the object. Magnification will
be positive for real image and negative for virtual image

Magnification in the case of concave mirror producing real image

let us consider a concave mirror and an object OB is placed on the principal axis as shown in
figure. When the rays of light are incident on the mirror at point A and P, they are reflected and
meet at point B' in front of the mirror. So, real image O'B' is formed by the mirror.
Here BPO and B'P'O are similar. So, for similar triangle we can write

0′ 𝐵 ′ 0′ 𝑃 𝑣
= =
0𝐵 0𝑃 𝑢 ′
0𝐵
From definition, m =
𝑂𝐵

∴ m = v/u

For a spherical mirror if u = Distance of object from pole, v = distance of image from pole, f
= Focal length, R = Radius of curvature, O = Size of object, I = size of image
NOTE
 (1) Mirror formula: 1 1 1
 
f v u
(2) Lateral magnification: When an object is placed perpendicular to the principle axis,
then linear magnification is called lateral or transverse magnification.

I v f fv
m  O  u f u  f
(* Always use sign convention while solving the problems)
Axial magnification: When object lies along the principle axis then its axial magnification
m  I  (v  v )
 2 1

O (u 2  u1 )
dv   v  
f 
2 
f  v 
2

If object is small; m   du    
2 u 
 
 f  u 
Areal magnification: If a 2D-objectf is placed with its plane perpendicular to principle axis.
It's areal magnification
m s  Area of image (Ai )  m s  m 2  A i
Area of object (A o ) Ao

Image Formation by Curved Mirrors

Concave mirror: Image formed by concave mirror may be real or virtual, may be inverted
or erect, may be smaller, larger or equal in size of object.
(1) When object is placed at infinite (i.e. u = ) F P

Image
At F
Real
Inverted
Very small in size
Magnification m << 1

(2) When object is placed between infinite and center of curvature (i.e. u > 2f)
Image
Between F and C
Real C F P
Inverted
 Small in size
m<1
(3) When
object is placed
at center of
curvature (i.e. u
= 2f)
Real
Inverted
Image F P
Equal in size
C
At
mC=–1

(4) When object is placed between centre of curvature and focus (i.e. f < u <
2f)
Image
Between 2f and 
F
Real P

C
Inverted
Large in size
m>1

(5) When object is placed at focus (i.e. u = f)

Image
At 
Real P

Inverted C F

Very large in size

m >> 1
(6) When object is placed between focus and pole (i.e. u < f)
Image
Behind the mirror
Virtual
Erect P
C F
Large in size
m>-1
Convex mirror: Image formed by convex mirror is always virtual, erect and smaller in size.
(1) When object is placed at infinite (i.e. u = )
Image
At F
Virtual
Erect
P F
Very small in size
Magnification m << -1

(2) When object is placed anywhere on the principal axis

Image
Between P and F
Virtual
P F C
Erect
Very small in size
Magnification m << -1