Question

Write the definitions of the following terms in the context of a concave mirror:

1. Pole
2. Centre of curvature
3. Radius of curvature
4. Principal axis

Answer 1

Definitions of terms for a concave mirror:

1. Pole (P): The pole is the midpoint of the concave mirror’s reflecting surface. It is the center point of the spherical surface from which the mirror is made.
2. Centre of curvature (C): The center of curvature is the center of the sphere of which the concave mirror forms a part. It lies on the principal axis.
3. Radius of curvature (R): The radius of curvature is the distance between the pole (P) and the center of curvature (C) of the mirror. It represents the radius of the sphere from which the mirror is a part.
4. Principal axis: The principal axis is a straight line passing through the pole (P) and the center of curvature (C) of the mirror. It is the line of symmetry of the spherical mirror.