Physics/Optics

Question 1

Properties of a Concave mirror/converging lens

Answer 1

• Its Reflecting surface curves towards the object.
• Concave Mirrors:
• Converging; form both real and virtual images.
• Real, inverted images if the object is far from the mirror.
• Virtual, upright images if the object is close to the mirror.
• Forms VIRTUAL or REAL image
• the focal length (f) is always POSITIVE
• the focal length (f) is always on OPPOSITE SIDE AS OBJECT

Question 2

Why does a convex mirror/ diverging lens ALWAYS produce virtual images?

Answer 2

A diverging lens always produces a virtual image because the rays of light diverge after passing through the lens, and the brain perceives them as coming from a point behind the lens. Since real rays never meet on the other side, no real image is formed, and the image seen is always virtual.

A diverging lens always forms a virtual image because it spreads light rays apart. The rays don’t actually meet on the other side of the lens, but if you trace them backward, they seem to come from a point behind the lens. Since the rays don’t physically converge, the image is virtual, upright, and smaller than the object. So, no matter where you place the object, a diverging lens can never create a real image—only a virtual one behind the lens.

Question 3

Properties of a convex mirror/convex lens:

Answer 3

Properties of a diverging mirror:
* always forms a VIRTUAL image
* the focal length (f) is always NEGATIVE
* the focal length (f) is always on SAME SIDE AS OBJECT
* parallel rays of light that strike the mirror spread out after reflection.
* has an outward-curved reflecting surface, like the exterior of a sphere
Convex mirror: Reflecting surface curves away from the object.