Experiment 8 concave and convex mirrors

The purpose of this exploration is to gain knowledge on the reflecting images on concave and convex mirrors. We will explore the different images portrayed on the mirror whenever we move towards and away from the focal.

 

Convex mirror:

Answers to questions a-c

a)      In a convex mirror the image seems smaller

b)      The image is upright

c)      The image is behind the mirror

 

2) When the object is moved towards the mirror nothing seems to happens. The image does not depend on the distance of the image

3) When the object is moved away from the mirror the image is still in the same position. The image does not depend on the distance.

 

Here is the picture of the image and the calculated magnification.

 

9) The magnification value seems to be consistent with the sketch.

 

 

 Concave mirror

 

Answers to questions a-c

a)      In a concave mirror the image varies with position. The image is inverted and and as the object gets closer it increases in size but inverted until the focal point is approach then the image disappears, in front of the focal the image appears large but behind the mirror.

b)       The image is inverted if it is behind the focal point

c)      The image is in front of the mirror

 

2) The image increases size but inverted as the object gets closer

3) When the object is moved away the image seems to get smaller.

Here is the picture of the image and the calculated magnification.



 

9) The magnification value seems to be consistent with the sketch.

In conclusion we found out the image of a convex mirror does not depend on the distance of the object. This image is always virtual and erect. When we are using a concave mirror the image does depend on the distance on the object. As we get close to the mirror the image is always inverted and it gets bigger. When we hit the focal point the image disappears. As we pass the focal point the image is virtual and erect, and the magnification is bigger.