Question

Draw a ray diagram to show the path of the reflected ray in each of the following cases:
A ray of light incident on a convex mirror
1.parallel to its principal axis,
2. directed towards its principal focus.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the incident ray parallel to the principal axis:
When a ray of light is incident parallel to the principal axis of a convex mirror, it reflects in such a way that it appears to diverge from the principal focus (F) of the mirror.
- The reflected ray appears to originate from the focal point of the mirror after reflection.

Step 2: Understanding the incident ray directed towards the principal focus:
When a ray of light is directed towards the principal focus of a convex mirror, it reflects in such a way that it travels parallel to the principal axis.
- The reflected ray will be parallel to the principal axis after being reflected by the mirror.

Step 3: Conclusion:
In both cases, the reflected rays do not actually converge to form a real image, as the convex mirror always forms virtual, erect, and diminished images. The reflected rays appear to come from a point behind the mirror (the virtual focus).
These observations are demonstrated in the ray diagrams as shown in the image.