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Kitiyala Jamir

Updated on 16th June, 2023 , 4 min read

Mirror Formula

Exam

What is a Mirror?

The law of reflection states that when a ray of light is made to fall on the reflecting surface, the incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal to the surface of the mirror all lie in the same plane and the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Types of Mirrors

The following are the most common types of mirrors:

Plane mirror:

The reflected images in their normal proportions but reversed from left to right are formed by a plane mirror

Convex mirror:

These are curved outward spherical mirrors, and the image obtained is virtual, diminished, and erect for a real object.

Concave mirrors:

These are curved inward spherical mirrors, and the image obtained from these mirrors is dependent on the placement of the object.

Impulse Formula

Full Wave Rectifier

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Normality and Its Formula

Harmonic Mean (H.M)

Schottky Defect

Bulk Modulus Formula

Cathode and Anode

What is Mirror Formula?

The mirror formula is the relationship between the focal length of the mirror, the object's distance u from the pole of the mirror, and the image's distance v from the pole.

The mirror equation is

1/v +1/u = 1/f.

Mirror Formula Explanation

IEM Kolkata

 

The Mirror formula represents the relationship between the object distance (u), image distance (v), and focal length (f) of a Spherical Mirror. The mirror equation is written as follows:

1/f = 1/v+1/u

Here, u and v represent the distances of the object and image from the mirror's pole, respectively. And Focal Length (f) is the distance between the primary focus and the pole.

Using the equation below, we can calculate the magnification (m) of the object using u and v.

m=−v/u

The radius of curvature (R) is twice its focal length.

R=2f

and f=R/2 

Hence, the Mirror equation can be written as:

 1/u+1/v = 1/f= 2/R

Sign Conventions

IEM Kolkata

 

The new Cartesian Sign Convention is used to avoid confusion in understanding the ray directions. Refer to the diagram for a better understanding.

  • The optical center of the lens is taken into account when measuring all distances.
  • Distances are considered negative when measured in the opposite direction of the incident light.
  • Distances are considered positive when measured in the same direction as the incident light.
  • Height is considered positive when measured upwards and perpendicular to the principal axis.
  • Height is considered negative when measured downwards and perpendicular to the principal axis.

Read More About: Mirror Formula Derivation

Applications of Mirror Equation

The Mirror Equation is used in the following ways:

When the object distance and the focal length of the mirror are known, the mirror equation can be used to predict the image distance.

When we know the image distance and the focal length of the mirror, we can use the equation to calculate the object distance.

The mirror equation allows us to calculate the focal length of the mirror simply by knowing the distance between the object and the image it forms.

When we use the mirror equation in conjunction with the magnification equation, we can obtain the value of either the image height or the object height when the other is given.

Things to remember

  • Optics is the branch of physics that deals with light, its behavior patterns, and qualities. 
  • Light is a type of electromagnetic radiation that enables the human eye to see or renders objects visible. It is also known as radiation that can be seen with the naked eye.
  • The focal length of a lens determines its ability to converge or diverge light rays.
  • We can use mirror formulas and equations to determine where the image will be produced if we know the object position and the focal length of the mirror.
  • A mathematical formula that connects the object distance, image distance, and mirror focal length is known as the Mirror Formula.
  • The mirror formula is 1/f = 1/v + 1/u​

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Solved Examples

Q1. Calculate magnification of concave mirror if the image of an object formed in front of a concave mirror with a focal length of 12 cm is formed at a point 10 cm away from the mirror.:

Solution

The magnification of the image is:

IEM Kolkata

Q2. The radius of curvature of a convex mirror used for rearview on a bus is 4m. Determine the position of the image if a car is 2m away from the mirror.

Solution:

IEM Kolkata

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is mirror made of?

A mirror typically has a flat or curved surface made of glass, is covered in reflective material, and is made of glass. Mirrors are used in many scientific and technological components and are not just for aesthetic purposes. Before mirrors were created, people frequently used water pools to see their reflections.

Who invented the mirror?

Justus von Liebig invented modern mirrors in Germany in 1835

Which mirror is flat?

A flat (planar) reflective surface is referred to as a plane mirror. For light rays striking a plane mirror, the angle of reflection coincides with the angle of incidence.

Why is it called 2 way mirror?

A two-way mirror, also referred to as two-way glass, is a type of glass that is clear on one side and reflective on the other, giving the impression of a mirror to those who see the reflection while allowing those on the clear side to see through as through a window.

What are the 4 types of mirror?

There are four different types of mirrors: spherical, inclined, rotating, and plane mirrors. Furthermore, spherical mirrors are divided into two types: concave spherical mirrors and convex spherical mirrors.

What is mirror and its formula?

The mirror formula is represented by the following equation: 1 f = 1 v + 1 u. The object distance is the separation between the object and the mirror, the image distance is the separation between the mirror and the image, and the focal length of the mirror is where.

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