Light Propagation and Mirrors
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What is the approximate speed of light in a vacuum/space?
300,000 km/s (or 300,000,000 m/s).
What is the Law of Reflection?
The angle of incidence equals the angle of reflection.
What is the “normal” line in a ray diagram?
An imaginary line drawn exactly perpendicular (at 90 degrees) to the reflective surface.
What are the characteristics of an image formed in a plane mirror?
It is a virtual image, appearing the exact same distance behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
Describe a concave mirror.
A converging mirror whose reflective surface bulges inwards, away from incident light.
Describe a convex mirror.
A diverging mirror whose reflective surface bulges outwards, towards incident light.
What is the focal point of a curved mirror?
The point where parallel light rays converge (concave) or appear to diverge from (convex) upon reflection.
How does the curvature of a mirror affect its focal length?
The more curved (rounder) the mirror, the shorter the focal length.
How do car headlights utilize concave mirrors?
The light globe is placed at the focal point, so all reflected light emerges forwards as a parallel, intense beam.
Why are convex mirrors used in car parks or blind corners?
They capture a much wider field of view than plane mirrors.