Reflection from curved surfaces

Important terms
(i) Centre of curvature (C)
It is the centre of sphere of which the mirror is a part.
(ii) Radius of curvature (R)
It is the radius of the sphere of which the mirror is a part.
(iii) Pole (P)
It is the geometrical centre of the spherical reflecting surface.
(iv) Principal axis
It is the straight line joining the centre of curvature to the pole.

ir

(v) Focus (F)

When a narrow beam of light rays, parallel to the principal axis and close to it, is incident on the surface
of a mirror, the reflected beam is found to coverage or appear to diverge from a point on the principal
axis. This point is called the focus.

.S

(vi) Focal length (f)

It is the distance between the pole and the principal focus. For spherical mirrors f = R/2
(vii)Aperture
The size of the mirror is called aperture.

R.

Cartesian sign convention

(i) All distances are measured from the pole.
(ii) Distances measured in the direction of incident rays are taken as positive.
(iii) Distances measured in a direction opposite to that of the incident
rays are taken as negative.
(iv) Distances above the principal axis are taken as positive.
(v) Distances below the principal axis are taken as negative.
(vi) Angles measured from the normal in the anticlockwise sense are positive, while that in the clockwise
sense are negative.
Note:
it is important to note that focal length of a convex mirror is
positive because the distance PF (P to F) is measured in the
direction of light.
Similarly, with the same reason, focal length of a concave mirror is negative.
The focal length of a mirror depends only on the curvature of
the mirror and not on the material from which the mirror is made
and thus it is also independent of the wavelength of the incident
light.
Ex.

Find the distance CQ if incident light ray parallel to principal axis is incident at an angle i. Also find the
distance CQ if i 0.

R
R
CQ = 2 cos i
2CQ
As i increases cos i decreases.
Hence CQ increases

cos i =

If i is a small angle cos i 1

CQ = R/2

ir

Sol.

So, paraxial rays meet at a distance equal to R/2 from centre of curvature, which is called focus.

Location of the Focus and the image :

.S

Spherical Aberration: As we can see that all the reflected rays are not meeting at focus same thing happens
with the image formation that all the rays do not cross through the common point and thus image is not
sharp, this is called Spherical Aberration.

R.

By definition, focus is the point where rays parallel to the principal axis meet after reflecting from the
curved mirror. Consider the conave mirror shown in figure. A ray of light OA which is parallel to the
principal axis reflects off the mirror and meets the pricipal axis at F. The normal to the mirror is the line
CA.
By the laws of reflection we have
...............(1)
OAC CAF
From the geometry of the figure we see that,
= and = + = 2
...............(2)
tan =

AQ
QC

tan =

AQ
QF

Paraxial Approximation :
Paraxial approximation assumes that all rays strike the mirror very close to the principal axis. Thus we
can approximate
tan
tan
Furthermore, Q can be assumed to be very close to the pole of the mirror. Therefore, we can further
approximate
QC PC, QF PF

Substituting in equation (2) we get

= 2 or

AQ
AQ
=2
PC
PF

1
R
PR
i.e., f =
2
2
where f is the focal length of the mirror

or

PF =

...............(3)

The external angle equals the sum of the opposite two internal angles. Therefore.
=+
.................(4)
and
=+
.................(5)
Eliminating the angle between equations (4) and (5), we get
= +
.................(6)
Now, from triangles AQO, AQC and AQI we have
AQ
AQ
AQ
tan =
, tan =
QO'
QC'
QI
As stated earlier, we assume all angles are very small.
Thus we can approximate
tan , tan and tan
Also, Q can be assumed to be very close to the pole of the mirror.
Therefore, we can further approximate
QO PO, QC PC and QI PI
Substituting these approximations in equation 3 we get,

.S

ir

tan =

R.

2
1
1
=
+
..............(7)
PC
PO
PI
From equation (7), the position of the image can be calculated knowing the position of the object and the
focal length of the mirror.

Mirror formula
In terms of Cartesian Sign Convention mirror formula may be expressed as :
1
1
1
+
=
v
u
f
where u is the object distance from the pole
v is the image distance from the pole, and
f is the focal length of the mirror.

(i)

(ii) Lateral magnification ratio

hi
v
m= h =
u
0
where hi is the height of image, and
h0 is the height of object.
Rules for ray diagrams
The position, size and nature of the image formed by a mirror are conventionally expressed in terms of
ray diagrams. We can locate the image of any extended object graphically by drawing any two of the
following four principle rays.

1.

A ray, initially parallel to the principal axis is reflected through the focus of the mirror.

2.

A ray, initially passing through the focus is reflected parallel to the principal axis.

3.

A ray passing through the so line joining point object & its image cuts principal axis at centre of
curvature.

4.

A ray incident at the pole is reflected symmetrically. So line joining O & I' or O' & I will cut
principal axis at pole.

ir

Here O' & I' are inverted positions of O or I about principal axis.

.S

Ray diagrams for a convex mirror

R.

Positions, sizes and nature of images formed by spherical mirrors.

(A) Concave mirror, real object
The fig. shows a concave mirror of focal length f0 in front of which an object O is placed at a distance
x from the pole P.

According formula may be modified as

u = x ; f = f0
thus

1
1
1
+
= f
v
x
0

or

xf 0
v= f x
0

and, the magnification formula may be modified as

f0
v v
m= u x f x
0

The following conclusions may be obtained for a concave mirror.

(i)

When the object is placed at infinity, a real, inverted and very small image is formed at the focus.
x=

v=y
m=

y = f0
<<1

When the object is placed beyond C (2f0 < x < ), a real, inverted and diminished image is formed
between F acid C.

v=y
m=

f0 < y < 2f0

0<<1

When the object is placed at C.

(x = 2f0), a real, inverted and equal size image is formed at C.

R.

(iii)

where
where

.S

ir

(ii)

where
where

v=y
m=
(iv)

where
where

y = 2f0
=1

When the object is placed between F and C (f0 < x < 2f0), a real, inverted and large image is formed
beyond C.

v=y
m=

where
where

y < 2f0
>1

(v)

When the object is placed at focus F, a real, inverted and very large image is formed at infinity.

v=y
m=

where
where

y=
>> 1

where

.S

v=+y
m=+

ir

Note virtual object

When the object is placed between F and P, a virtual, erect and enlarged image is formed behind the
mirror.

>1

R.

Convex mirror
The fig. shows a convex mirror of focal length f0 in front of which an object O is placed at a distance x
from the pole P.

According to Cartesian sign convention, the formulae may be modified as

u = x and f = + f0
Thus

xf 0
v= f x
0

The above expression shows that whatever may be the value of x, v is always positive and its value is
always less than or equal to f0.
The magnification formula may be modified as
f0
m= f x
0

When the object is placed at infinity, a virtual, erect and very diminished image is formed at the focus.

x=
v = f0
m << 1
Asking ques. When the object is placed in front of the convex mirror, a virtual, erect and diminished image is
formed between F and P.

O<x<
v < f0
m<1

ir

Can a convex mirror form real images ?

Yes, only when the object is virtual and is placed between F and P.

.S

The fig. shows a convex mirror exposed to a converging beam which converges to a point that lies
between F and P.

R.

Q).

xf 0
v= f x
0

v becomes negative (real image) only when x < f0.

Newton's Formula
If the object and image distances are measured from the focus instead of the pole of the mirror. Then, the
mirror formula reduces to a simple form called the Newton's formula.
x0xi = f2
where x0 is the object distance from the focus.
xi is the image distance from the focus.
Derivation
In case of spherical mirrors if object distance (x1) and image distance (x2) are measured from focus
instead of pole, then u = f + x and v = f + x2 the mirror formula reduces to
1
1
+
f x2
f x1

or
x1x2 = f2
which is known as Newtons formula. This formula is applicable to real objects and real images.

V. Imp.
While using mirror equation known quantities are to substituted with proper sign and quantities
to be calculated (unknown quantities) are not be given any sign.
Asking question
If rays from distant object are not parallel to principal
axis, then image is formed on the focal plane.

d
= tan
f

Focal plane

or
d f (if is very small)
{Explain focal plain}
Asking question
Concave mirror always forms real image of a virtual object irrespective of its position.
Here,
u = + ve, f = ve

From mirror equation, we have

u .f
v = u f

ir

v = ve
Here, image formed is always real.

.S

Asking question
Whatever be the position of object infront of convex mirror, image is always formed behind mirror
between pole and focus, small in size, virtual and erect.

R.

Asking question

Convex mirror can form real or virtual image of a virtual object depending on its position.

u<f
(a)

F O

u>f
(b)

In general, all situations in spherical mirror can be summarised in u - v graph as shown below :

Virtual image of
a real object

Virtual image of
a real object

Virtual image of
a real object

u
f

Real image of
a virtual object

Real image of
a real object

Real image of
a virtual object

Concave mirror

Concave mirror

Position of
object (real)

Position of image

ir

While interpreting these graphs for numerical problems, remember following points
(a) Anything (object / image) before mirror is real so, v and u are negative
(b) Anything (object / image) behind mirror is virtual so u and v are positive.
{you can also ask students to draw these type of tables}
Concave mirror

Characteristics of image

At. F

Between
infinity and C

Between C and F

Real, inverted, diminished

At C

At C

Real, inverted, same size as that of object

Between C and F

Between infinity and C

Real, inverted, magnified

At infinity

Real, inverted, highly magnified

Behind the mirror

Virtual, erect, magnified

R.

within F

At F

Real, inverted, highly diminished

.S

At infinity

Convex mirror

Position of
object (real)

Position of image

Characteristics of image

At infinity

At F

Virtual, erect, highly diminished

At a finite distance

Between P and F

Virtual, erect, diminished

Illustrations :
eg
An object 1 cm high is placed at 10 cm in front of a concave mirror of focal length 15 cm. Find the
position height and nature of the image.
Sol.
location = 45 cm

eg

hi =3 cm
The image of a real object in a convex mirror is 4 cm from the mirror. If the mirror has a radius of
curvature of 24 cm, find the position of object and magnification.

Sol.

Now

u=

vf
( 4)(12)
=
= 6cm
vf
4 12

The negative sign shows that the object is real and it is placed in front of the mirror.
v ( 4) 2
=
=
u
6
3
When an object is placed at a distance of 25 cm from a mirror, the magnification is m1. The object is
moved 15 cm farther away with respect to the earlier position, and the magnification becomes m2. If

The magnification, m =
eg

m1
m 2 = 4, then calculate the focal length of the mirror..

Sol.

m1
f 40
m 2 = 4, therefore f 25 = 4
thus
f + 40 = 4f + 100
or
f = 20cm
The negative sign shows that the mirror is concave.

Since

Example : An object O is placed in front of a small plane mirror M1 and a large convex
mirror M2 of focal length f. The distance between O and M1 is x, and the
distance between M1 and M2 is y. The images of O formed by M1 and M2
coincide. Find focal length of the mirror.
M1

ir

M2
I1

x-y

.S

[Sol.

1
1
x 2 y2
1
+
= f=
xy
( x y)
2y
f

x 2 y2
Now, as this is convex mirror, f is (+)ve hence magnitude of f =
2y

R.

VELOCITY OF IMAGE IN SPHERICAL MIRROR

Let pole of mirror be origin of co-ordinate system and X-axis be the principal axis of mirror and Y-axis
is perpendicular to principal axis. Further object is placed such that incident rays travel along +ve Xaxis.
Y
(VO / m )
From mirror equation, we have
1
XI / m

1
XO / m

1
f

(VO / m ) Y

Differentiating both side w.r.t. t we get

1 d
1 d
X 2 dt (X I / m ) X 2 dt (X O / m ) = 0
I/m
O/ m
2

X
d
d
(X I / m ) I / m
(X O / m )
dt
X O / m dt

or

(VI / m)X = m2 (VO/m)X

We know that,
m=

(VO / m ) X

Height of Im age
f
= Height of Object
f u

 f
(YO/m)
YI/m =
f u
Differentiating w.r.t. t we get

d
d
(YI / m ) =
dt
dt

f u (YO / m )

f d
d f

(Using product rule)

(VI/m)Y =
(YO/m) + (YO/m)
dt f u
f u dt

or

f
du
f
(VO/m)Y + (YO/m)
(VI/m) =
2
(f u ) dt
f u

Particular Case (I) : If object is on principal axis, then YO/M = 0

f
(V )
(VI/m)Y =
f u O/m Y
Particular Case (II) : If object is not on principal axis but moving parallel to principal axis then (VO/m)Y
=0

VI/m = (YO/m)

f
du
2
(f u ) dt

ir

du
is negative if u is decreasing with time and it is taken positive if u is increasing with time.
dt
Particular Case (III) : If object is on principal axis and moving along it then YO/m = 0 and (VO/m)Y = 0
(VI/m) = 0

.S

Note that

Illustration : Find the velocity of image in situation as shown in figure.

2 m/s

15 m/s

R.

53

f = 20 cm

30 cm

VO = Velocity of obeject = (9i 2j) m / s

Vm = Velocity of mirror = 2i m/s

20
f
=
= 2
20 (30)
f u
For velocity component parallel to optical axis

(VI / m )|| = m2 (VO / m )||

(VI / m )|| = (2)2 11

1 i = 44 i m/s
For velocity component perpendicular to optical axis

(VI / m ) = (VO / m )
m=

= (2) 12 j = 24 j m/s

VI / m

= Velocity of image w.r.t. mirror

12 m/s

Sol.

s
m/
15
53
O 9 m/s

2 m/s

= (VI / m )|| (VI / m )

Also,
or

= ( 44 i 24 j) m / s

= V1 Vm

VI / m

V1 = (44i 24j) 2i

= ( 46i 24j) m / s
Expression for the longitudinal magnification a short linear object is placed at a distance u
along the axis of a spherical mirror of focal length f.
1 1 1
+ =
v u f
On differentiating both the sides, we get

Mirror formula :

dv du
2 =0
v2
u

Since

v
f
=
u
u f

dv = du
u f

ir

or

v
dv = du
u

.S

dv
f

Lateral magnification, m2 =
=
du
u f
The negative sign shows that the image is longitudinally inverted.

R.

Illustration or HW
Find the co-ordinates of image of point object P formed after two successive reflection in situation as
shown in figure considering first reflection at concave mirror and then at convex mirror.
Y

f1 = 15cm
P

f2 = 20cm

2mm
X

20cm
M2
50cm