Concave Mirrors

LG: I can describe the uses of concave mirrors and draw ray diagrams to show how images are reflected in

concave mirrors

Concave Mirrors

• A concave mirror is one that curves inward (like a cave)

• Where have you seen mirrors like this?

Using Concave Mirrors• Examine a concave mirror and describe the

image(s) it reflects– What happens when it’s close up?– What happens when you move it far away?

• Set up a mirror and a candle as directed by your teacher. See if you can see the image on a piece of white paper– Describe the characteristics of the image

Uses of Concave Mirrors

• Shaving/Makeup mirrors• Dental Mirrors• Car headlight Mirrors

Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors

1) Any light ray parallel to the principal axis will reflect as through the focal point

2) Any ray that is directed at the focal point, will be reflected parallel to the principal axis

3) Extend reflected rays to find image

Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors• Draw an object 1.5 cm tall between the mirror

and the focal point

C

Image Characteristics:

Size(compared to object):

Distance (Compared to object):

Upright or Inverted:

Real or Virtual:

Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors• Draw an object 1.5 cm tall between the focal

point and the center of curvature

C

Image Characteristics:

Size(compared to object):

Distance (Compared to object):

Upright or Inverted:

Real or Virtual: