Convex
Concave
Concave Mirror
Convex Mirror
Principle Axis (Convex)
Imagine a straight line passing through the pole and the centre of curvature of a spherical mirror. This line is called the principal axis. Remember that principal axis is normal to the mirror at its pole.
Principle Axis (Concave)
Imagine a straight line passing through the pole and the centre of curvature of a spherical mirror. This line is called the principal axis. Remember that principal axis is normal to the mirror at its pole.
Radius of Curvature (Concave)
The radius of the sphere of which the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror forms a part, is called the radius of curvature of the mirror. It is represented by the letter R. You may note that the distance PC is equal to the radius of curvature.
Radius of Curvature (Convex)
The radius of the sphere of which the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror forms a part, is called the radius of curvature of the mirror. It is represented by the letter R. You may note that the distance PC is equal to the radius of curvature.
Centre of Curvature (Concave)
This sphere has a centre. This point is called the centre of curvature of the spherical mirror. It is represented by the letter C. The centre of curvature of a concave mirror lies in front of the mirror.
Centre of Curvature (Convex)
This sphere has a centre. This point is called the centre of curvature of the spherical mirror. It is represented by the letter C. The centre of curvature of a convex mirror lies behind the mirror.
Pole (Concave)
The centre of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is a point called the pole. It lies on the surface of the mirror. The pole is usually represented by the letter P.
Pole (Convex)
The centre of the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is a point called the pole. It lies on the surface of the mirror. The pole is usually represented by the letter P.