Curved Mirrors

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Ray 1

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C

Ray 2

Ray 3

Slide 26

Convex Spherical Image Formation

The image forms at the intersection of any two of the three rays behind the mirror.

Ray 1

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C

Ray 2

Ray 3

The rays do not intersect in front of the mirror!!

Slide 27

Sign conventions for mirrors (p. 538)

Slide 28

Sample Problem (p. 540 #6)

A candle is 49 cm in front of a convex spherical mirror that has a focal length of 35 cm. What are the image distance and magnification? Is the image virtual or real? Is the image inverted or upright? Draw a ray diagram to confirm your results.

Slide 29

Solving the problem

Remember that for convex mirrors, the focal length and image distance are always negative.

Slide 30

The Magnification of the Image

Since the magnification is positive, the image is upright and virtual

Slide 31

Ray diagram for the Image

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C

Remember that you only need to draw two of the three rays to find the image.