Concave & Convex Mirrors: Real/Virtual Images Explained

In summary, concave mirrors can produce both real and virtual images, while convex mirrors can only produce virtual images. The change in image location for a concave mirror occurs when the object is moved along the principal axis towards the vertex. This is due to the paths of light rays and how they are reflected. The focal length of a concave mirror can be calculated using the mirror equation, where the image distance (q) and object distance (p) are used. To find a better explanation of this equation, a website may be helpful. The difference between concave and convex mirrors is that concave mirrors cause parallel light rays to spread apart, creating the appearance of coming from a virtual focal point, while convex mirrors cause parallel light rays to
  • #1
shorty_47_2000
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Why can concave mirrors produce a real or virtual image, but convex mirrors can produce only one virtual image??

As well, when an object is moved along the principal axis towards the vertex of a concave mirror, the image changes. Where exactly does this change occur and why? I know it has something to do with the paths of light rays and I think that it has something to do with how they are reflected, but if someone could clarify this for me it would be greatly appreciated!
 
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  • #2
The Focal Length Of A Concave Mirror Is F = R/2

And You Can Use The Mirror Equation Is 1/p + 1/q = 1/f

Where Q = Image Distance And P = Object Distance
 
  • #3
do you know of a website that can explain this equation better?
 
  • #4
Why can concave mirrors produce a real or virtual image, but convex mirrors can produce only one virtual image??

Is this because that in convex mirrors parallel light rays come togeather crpssing at a dingle focal point whereas concave mirrors cause parallel light rays to spread appart so that they appear to emerge from the virtual focal point?
 

FAQ: Concave & Convex Mirrors: Real/Virtual Images Explained

What is the difference between a concave and convex mirror?

A concave mirror curves inward and has a reflective surface that faces inward, while a convex mirror curves outward and has a reflective surface that faces outward.

What is a real image?

A real image is an image that can be projected onto a screen because the light rays actually converge at a point.

What is a virtual image?

A virtual image is an image that cannot be projected onto a screen because the light rays only appear to be coming from a specific point, but do not actually converge at that point.

How is an image formed by a concave mirror?

An image is formed by a concave mirror when light rays from an object reflect off the mirror and converge at a specific point, creating a real or virtual image depending on the location of the object.

What is the difference between a real and virtual image?

A real image can be projected onto a screen and is formed when light rays actually converge at a point, while a virtual image cannot be projected and is formed when light rays only appear to be coming from a specific point.

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