1. m y r n a . c o m

2. What kind of mirror is used in this
instance?

3. Image Formation on a Convex
Mirror
Ray Tracing

4. Today
• Recall of the Ray Tracing Steps in concave mirrors
• Convex mirrors
– Characteristics
– Image formation through ray tracing
– Applications
• Formative Assessment
– Exercises

5. FC

6. How does a convex mirror look
like?

7. Reflecting part is the
outer layer.
This is what you
are seeing right
now.
A convex
mirror.
c

8. A convex mirror’s reflecting surface
is on the “bulging” part of the
mirror.

9. Try moving away and toward the
mirror. What have you noticed with
your image on it?

10. Major rays to locate the image
formed on a convex mirror:

11. Parallel Ray

12. F C
the reflected ray SEEMS TO COME FROM
THE FOCAL POINT

13. Focal Ray

14. The incident ray SEEM TO PASS THROUGH
THE FOCAL POINT is reflected back PARALLEL
TO THE PRINCIPAL AXIS.
F C

15. Straight Ray

16. The reflected ray bounces off in the same direction
as the incident ray.
F C

17. Locating the image

18. F C

21. Characteristics of an image
formed by a convex mirror:
Type:
Size:
Orientation:
Location:

22. What happens when a
concave mirror is used
instead of a convex?

23. w i k i p e d i a . c o m

24. p i t t m a n . i e

25. Clicker Question
The image formed in a convex mirror is
smaller than the object. This would make a
convex mirror useful for which application?
A. Makeup or shaving mirror
B. Wide-angle mirror, such as on a car or a
blind intersection
C. A mirror in a clothing store dressing room

26. Complete the statements:
Convex mirrors have _________.
Convex mirrors always produce _______.
Convex mirrors never _______.

27. Exercises
Locate and describe the image formed on the convex mirror.
C’F’VC F2 cm
2 cm
6 cm