Understanding the Reflection of Light: Ray Optics and Concave Mirrors

In summary, ray optics is a branch of optics that studies the behavior of light in a straight line through a medium. In a concave mirror, light reflects off the surface and converges at a focal point due to its curvature. Real images are formed when the reflected rays converge at a single point, while virtual images appear to come from a point behind the mirror. The distance between an object and a concave mirror affects the size and position of the image formed. The focal length, which is the distance from the center of the mirror to the focal point, is an important factor in determining the image size, position, and magnification in ray optics.
  • #1
Docscientist
101
11
Why a ray of light passing through the centre of curvature of a concave mirror,gets reflected along the same path?
 
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  • #2
Docscientist said:
Why a ray of light passing through the centre of curvature of a concave mirror,gets reflected along the same path?

one should apply the laws of reflection to get answer to your question!
moreover the ray is not passing through but its incident along the radius then it returns after reflection on the same path.
 
  • #3
Where does the normal (perpendicular) to the surface of the mirror at the point where the ray comes onto the mirror lie?
 

Related to Understanding the Reflection of Light: Ray Optics and Concave Mirrors

1. What is ray optics?

Ray optics is a branch of optics that deals with the behavior of light as it travels in a straight line, or ray, through a medium.

2. How does light reflect off of a concave mirror?

In a concave mirror, light reflects off the surface and converges at a focal point. This is due to the curvature of the mirror, which causes the reflected rays to converge towards the center.

3. What is the difference between a real and virtual image?

A real image is formed when the reflected rays of light actually converge at a single point, whereas a virtual image is formed when the reflected rays appear to be coming from a point behind the mirror. Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot.

4. How is the image formed by a concave mirror affected by the distance between the object and the mirror?

The distance between the object and the mirror, also known as the object distance, determines the size and position of the image formed by a concave mirror. As the object distance increases, the image size decreases and the image moves closer to the focal point.

5. What is the significance of the focal length in ray optics?

The focal length is the distance from the center of the mirror to the focal point. It is a crucial parameter in ray optics as it determines the size and position of the image formed by a concave mirror. It also plays a role in determining the magnification of the image.

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