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Chapter 9: Problem 19

What is different about an image (of a nearby object) formed with a convex mirror compared to an image formed with a concave mirror? What are the advantages of each type of mirror?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Short Answer: The major differences between the images formed by a concave and convex mirror when observing nearby objects are that concave mirrors can form real or virtual images while convex mirrors always form virtual images, concave mirrors produce images of varying sizes while convex mirrors produce smaller images, and concave mirror images can be inverted or erect while convex mirror images are always upright. The advantages of concave mirrors include magnification, production of real images, and focal points, while convex mirrors offer a wide field of view, right-side-up images, and create virtual images for illusionary effects.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Concave Mirrors

Concave mirrors curve inward, forming a "cave" shape. When light rays parallel to the principal axis hit the surface of a concave mirror, they all converge at the focal point. If a nearby object is placed in front of a concave mirror, the image formed could be real, virtual, inverted or erect, depending on its position relative to the focal point.
02

Understanding Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors curve outward, forming a bulging shape. In this case, the light rays parallel to the principal axis diverge upon reaching the surface of the mirror. The image observed in a convex mirror will always be virtual, reduced in size, and upright relative to the object.
03

Comparing Images Formed by Concave and Convex Mirrors

Now that we understand the basic properties of concave and convex mirrors, let's compare the images formed by each type when observing nearby objects: 1. Concave mirrors can form real or virtual images, while convex mirrors always form virtual images. 2. Images formed by concave mirrors can be either larger or smaller than the object, depending on its distance from the mirror. Convex mirrors always produce smaller images. 3. Concave mirror images may be inverted or erect, whereas convex mirror images are always upright.
04

Advantages of Concave Mirrors

Concave mirrors have the following advantages: 1. They can magnify objects which makes them useful in creating telescopes and other optical devices. 2. They can produce real images that can be projected onto a screen or surface. 3. When used in reflector headlights and satellite dishes, they strongly focus light rays onto a specific point.
05

Advantages of Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors have the following advantages: 1. They provide a wider field of view, making them very useful for safety and surveillance purposes such as in parking lots, hallways, and merchandise stores. 2. Images formed in convex mirrors are always right-side-up, making it easier for observers to discern them. 3. Since they produce virtual images, they are helpful for creating illusionary effects and entertainment purposes, such as in optical illusions and amusement park mirrors.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

A convex lens forms a clear, focused image of some small, fixed object on a screen. If the screen is moved closer to the lens, will the lens have to be (i) moved closer to the object, (ii) moved farther from the object, or (iii) left at the same location to produce a clear image on the screen at its new location? Explain your answer.

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