Physics Images in Concave Mirrors (lesson 6)

Question 1

Concave Mirrors & Convex Mirrors create a

Answer 1

circle (enter

Question 2

Centre of Curvature (C)

Answer 2

The center of the sphere that would be formed by curve of the mirror
C=2f

Question 3

Vertex (V)

Answer 3

The middle point of the mirror

Question 4

Principal Axis

Answer 4

The line through centre of curvature and the center of the mirror

Question 5

Focal Point (F)

Answer 5

The common point where light rays (appear) to meet

Exactly half way between the centre of curvature and the vertex

Question 6

Concave mirrors are used in our daily lives. Here are three (3) ways we see concave mirrors
used in our daily lives.

Answer 6

Cosmetic (make-up) Mirrors
Car Headlights
Solar Ovens

Question 7

Cosmetic (make-up) Mirrors

Answer 7

Cosmetic mirrors are concave mirrors. They are useful for
applying make-up or shaving because concave mirrors are able to
produce larger upright images. This enlarged image can only be
produced if the object (person) is standing between the focal
point (F) and the vertex (V).

Question 8

Concave mirrors are used in car headlights and
flashlights.

Answer 8

The science behind this is that the light
bulb is placed on the focal point (F) and send incident
rays into the concave mirror through F. This will in
turn produce reflected rays that are parallel to the
principal axis and create a single focused beam of
light forward.

Question 9

Solar Ovens

Answer 9

Concave mirrors have been used in deserts
and places where electricity is limited as
solar ovens to cook food. Solar ovens work
because of how far away the Sun is from
Earth. Because of the distance of the Sun, we
assume that the incident rays coming from
the Sun are all parallel. Solar ovens capture
these parallel incident rays into a concave
dish and reflect these rays through the focal
point (F). The oven is placed on F so all of
the solar energy can heat up the food.

Question 10

Uses of Convex Mirrors

Convex mirrors are used in our daily lives. Here are two (2) ways we see convex mirrors used
in our daily lives.

Answer 10

Store Security Mirrors
Car Passenger Side Mirror

Question 11

Store Security Mirrors

Answer 11

Store security mirrors are convex mirrors.
They are useful for security because convex
mirrors always produce upright images.
Although the upright image produced is
smaller, it provides the storekeeper a wider
view of the entire store. These mirrors have
also been used in stairwells and other places
that may pose a safety risk allowing people to
see around the corner.

Question 12

Car Passenger Side Mirror

Answer 12

Convex mirrors are used in car passenger side mirrors.
Have you ever noticed the writing, “objects in mirror
are closer than they appear” on the passenger side
mirror? That’s because it’s made of a convex mirror!
This is useful because it provides a wider view of the
road and the image is always upright. Just remember,
images produced by convex mirrors are smaller than
the original object so other cars are closer than they
appear!