There are three main types of mirrors in the laboratory. Plane mirrors are flat, convex and concave mirrors are both curved mirrors.
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| Types of Spherical Mirrors | BYJU'S Credit: https://byjus.com/physics/concave-and-convex-mirrors-spherical-mirrors/ |
Concave mirrors have the shiny surface on the inside of the curve. When looking at a tablespoon, the bowl of the spoon is concave.
Convex mirrors have the shiny surface on the outside of the curve. When looking at a tablespoon, the back of the spoon is convex.
Observing Reflection in Curved Mirrors
Aim: To investigate the reflection of light rays in concave and convex mirrors.
Equipment:
- Ray box
- Triple-set ray slide
- Concave and convex mirrors
- Power supply
Method:
- Set up your ray box, triple-set ray slide and power supply.
- Place the mirrors as indicated on the images below. Place the ray box at the top of the page and shine the 3 rays of light at the mirror.
- Ensure that the middle ray of light is hitting the mirror at a 90° angle.
- Carefully trace the direction of the three incident rays and the three reflected rays.
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| Concave Mirror |
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| Convex Mirror |
