PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

3. OPTICS

Learning Outcomes:
Upon completing this module, you should be able to:
✓ Explain the geometric properties of concave and convex mirrors, including focal points, center of
curvature, and principal axis.
✓ Apply mirror formulae to calculate image distances, object distances, and magnification for concave and
convex mirrors.
✓ Analyse and predict image characteristics formed by concave and convex mirrors, including determining
whether the image is real or virtual, magnified or diminished, and upright or inverted.
✓ Explore practical applications of curved mirrors in devices such as telescopes, makeup mirrors, and
headlights, understanding how these mirrors manipulate light to produce specific effects.
✓ Develop problem-solving skills by applying mirror properties to real-world scenarios, including
calculating mirror settings for specific image characteristics or analysing optical systems involving
curved mirrors.

3.2 Spherical Mirrors

Spherical or curved mirrors can be thought of as a portion of a sphere that was sliced away and then silvered
on one of the sides to form a reflecting surface. Concave mirrors were silvered on the inside of the sphere
and convex mirrors were silvered on the outside of the sphere. When light is reflected from the surface of a
curved mirror, the light rays follow the law of reflection at each point on the surface. The light rays that are
parallel before they strike the mirror are reflected in different directions, depending on the part of the mirror
that they strike. Depending on whether the mirror is concave or convex, the light rays can be made to
converge or diverge.

3.2.1 Concave Mirrors

In Figure 3.12a, the concave mirror has a radius of curvature R, and its center of curvature is point C. Point
V is the center of the spherical section, and a line through C and V is called the principal axis of the mirror.
An O object on any point on the principal axis (Figure 3.12b). After reflecting from the mirror, the two rays
converge at the image point I. They then continue to diverge from I as if an object were there. Rays that are
far from the principal axis converge to other points on the principal axis (Figure 3.13a), producing a blurred
image. This effect, which is called spherical aberration, is present to some extent for any spherical mirror.
Horizontal light rays parallel (above or below) to the principal axis and incident on the surface of the mirror
converges at the focal point of the mirror (Figure 3.13b).

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PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

Figure 3.12 (a) A concave mirror of radius R. The center of curvature C is located on the principal axis. (b) A point
object placed at O in front of a concave spherical mirror of radius R, where O is any point on the principal axis farther
than R from the mirror surface, forms a real image at I. If the rays diverge from O at small angles, they all reflect
through the same image point.

Figure 3.13 (a) Rays diverging from an object at large angle from the principal axis reflect from a spherical concave
mirror to intersect the principal axis at different points. (b) Light rays from a distant object reflect from a concave
mirror through the focal point F.

In Figure 3.14, letters p, q and R represent the object distance, the image distance and radius of curvature of
the mirror, respectively. The distances are measured usually from point V. One of the two rays leaving the tip
of the object passes through C (center of curvature of the mirror), hits the mirror at right angle and reflects
back on itself. The second ray strikes the mirror at its center (point V) and reflects as shown, obeying the law
of reflection. The image of the tip of the arrow is located at the point where these two rays intersect. From
the gold right triangle, tan 𝜃 = ℎ/𝑝 and from the blue right triangle tan 𝜃 = ℎ′ /𝑞. The negative sign is
introduced because the image is inverted, so ℎ′ is taken to be negative.

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Abel U. Osagie
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Whatsapp: +234 8122 100 528
PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

Figure 3.14 Image produced by a converging mirror of an object with object distance greater than the focal length of
the mirror

The magnification (M) of the mirror is given by Eqn (3.2)Error! Reference source not found.

𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑔𝑒 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 ℎ′ 𝑞
M= = =− (3.2)
𝑜𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑡 ℎ𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 ℎ 𝑝

3.2.2 Convex Mirrors

In a convex mirror the reflected rays diverge (Figure 3.15). However, the extrapolated rays converge. the
concave mirror has a radius of curvature R, and its center of curvature is point

Figure 3.15 Image formed by a convex mirror

3.2.3 Characteristics of Concave and Convex Mirrors

▪ Concave mirrors form real images (where the rays converge to the image). Such an image can
appear on a screen.
▪ This focus is real for a concave mirror and virtual for a convex mirror.
▪ Concave mirrors form inverted real images of objects placed beyond the principal focus. If the object
is between the principal focus and the mirror, the image is virtual, erect, and enlarged.
▪ Convex mirrors produce only erect virtual images of objects placed in front of them. The images are
diminished (smaller than the object) in size.
▪ The mirror equation for both concave and convex spherical mirrors is given by

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PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

1 1 2 1 (3.3)
+ =− =
𝑝 𝑞 𝑅 𝑓

Where p, q, f and R represent object distance, image distance, focal length of the mirror and radius of
curvature of the mirror respectively.

▪ p is positive when the object is in front (i.e., to the left) of the mirror
▪ q is positive when the image is real (i.e., in front or to the left of the mirror
▪ q is negative when the image is virtual (i.e., behind or to the right of the mirror)
▪ f is positive for a concave mirror and negative for a convex mirror
▪ R is positive when C is to the right of the mirror (i.e., when the mirror is convex)
▪ R is negative when C is to the left of the mirror (i.e., when the mirror is concave)

3.2.4 Uses of Concave Mirrors

There are several uses of concave mirrors. Examples of how concave mirrors are utilized in various fields
and applications include:
i. Reflecting Telescopes: As mentioned before, concave mirrors are commonly used in reflecting
telescopes to collect and focus light, allowing for detailed observations of celestial objects.
ii. Rearview Mirrors: The rearview mirrors in vehicles often use concave mirrors to provide a wider field
of view. The mirror's curvature helps to increase the viewing angle, reducing blind spots and enhancing
safety while driving.
iii. Projector Systems: Many projectors use concave mirrors to direct and focus light onto a screen or
surface. The mirrors play a crucial role in adjusting the size and quality of the projected image.
iv. Security and Surveillance Systems: Concave mirrors are employed in security and surveillance
systems to create wide-angle or panoramic views. These mirrors help to expand the field of vision,
allowing for a broader coverage area.
v. Reflective Solar Cookers: In solar cooking, concave mirrors are used to concentrate sunlight onto a
cooking vessel. The mirror's shape enables efficient heat collection and cooking without the need for
conventional fuel sources.
vi. Ophthalmoscopes: Ophthalmoscopes are medical instruments used by eye specialists to examine the
interior structures of the eye. Concave mirrors are a critical component of these devices, aiding in the
visualization of the eye's structures.
vii. Beauty and Barber Salon Equipment: Concave mirrors are commonly found in beauty and barber
salons. They are used in hairdressing chairs, styling stations, and barber mirrors to provide a magnified
and clear view for haircuts, styling, and other beauty treatments.
viii. Reflective Light Fixtures: Some lighting fixtures incorporate concave mirrors to enhance the
illumination. These mirrors help to distribute and direct light more efficiently, resulting in improved
lighting coverage.

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Abel U. Osagie
[email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 8122 100 528
PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

ix. Laser Technology: In laser systems, concave mirrors are used as reflectors to control the direction and
shape of laser beams. They play a vital role in the precise manipulation and alignment of laser light.
x. Magnifying Glasses: Certain types of magnifying glasses use concave mirrors to magnify objects. The
mirror's curvature allows for increased magnification, making it useful for tasks that require close
examination, such as reading fine print or examining small objects.

3.2.5 Uses of Convex Mirrors

i. Road Safety: Convex mirrors, also known as "traffic mirrors" or "safety mirrors," are widely used in
traffic management and road safety. They are typically installed at intersections, parking lots, and
driveways to provide a wide-angle view, allowing drivers to see around blind spots and detect oncoming
vehicles or pedestrians.
ii. Security and Surveillance: Convex mirrors are employed in security and surveillance systems to
enhance visibility in areas with limited line of sight. They are often installed in stores, banks, and other
public spaces to help prevent theft, monitor activity, and improve overall security.
iii. Store and Shop Displays: Convex mirrors are commonly used in stores and shops to provide a wider
view of the premises, enabling staff to monitor customer activity and discourage shoplifting. They are
also used in retail displays to provide a 360-degree reflection of products, making them more visible to
customers.
iv. Rearview Mirrors: Convex mirrors are used as side-view mirrors in vehicles, particularly larger ones
like buses, trucks, and some passenger cars. The curved shape of the mirror provides a wider field of
view, helping drivers to see adjacent lanes and reduce blind spots.
v. Parking Assist Systems: Convex mirrors are incorporated into parking assist systems to aid drivers in
maneuvering and parking. These mirrors help drivers assess their vehicle's position and avoid collisions
when parking in tight spaces or navigating narrow areas.
vi. ATM Security: Convex mirrors are often installed near ATMs to provide a broader view of the
surroundings, increasing user safety and deterring criminal activity.
vii. Industrial and Warehouse Settings: Convex mirrors are utilized in industrial environments and
warehouses to improve visibility and safety. They help monitor large areas, such as production lines or
storage facilities, and reduce the risk of accidents by allowing workers to see around corners and blind
spots.
viii. Roadside Mirrors: Convex mirrors are sometimes placed on the sides of roads, especially in sharp
bends or blind curves. These mirrors enable drivers to anticipate oncoming traffic and pedestrians,
enhancing safety in areas with limited visibility.
ix. Decorative and Architectural Applications: Convex mirrors are used in interior design and
architectural settings as decorative elements. They can add a visually appealing touch to spaces,
reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth.

47

Abel U. Osagie
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Whatsapp: +234 8122 100 528
PHY103: Vibrational Waves, Sound and Optics

x. Wide-Angle Photography: Convex mirrors, known as "fisheye lenses," are utilized in photography and
videography to capture wide-angle images. These lenses provide a unique perspective, allowing
photographers to capture a broader field of view and create distorted, artistic effects.

3.2.6 Spherical Aberration

Spherical aberration is an optical phenomenon that occurs in mirrors, specifically in curved mirrors such as
spherical mirrors. It is caused by the spherical shape of the mirror's surface, which leads to the reflection of
light rays at different angles, resulting in a blurred or distorted image. In a mirror, spherical aberration occurs
because light rays striking the mirror near its edges are focused differently compared to the rays striking the
mirror closer to its center. This discrepancy in the focus of the rays leads to a lack of sharpness and precision
in the reflected image. The primary cause of spherical aberration is the variation in the curvature of the
mirror's surface. Since a spherical mirror has a constant curvature across its surface, light rays that strike the
mirror at different distances from its center are reflected at different angles. Rays that strike near the edges of
the mirror are more strongly bent and focused closer to the mirror, while rays that strike near the center are
less bent and focused further away. The result of spherical aberration is that when an object is reflected in a
mirror with this aberration, the image appears blurred or fuzzy. This effect is more noticeable in mirrors with
larger diameters or shorter focal lengths. To mitigate spherical aberration, several solutions are employed.
One approach is the use of parabolic mirrors instead of spherical mirrors. Parabolic mirrors have a shape that
can focus incoming light rays to a single point, resulting in a sharper and more accurate image. Another
solution involves using multiple mirrors or a combination of mirrors and lenses to correct the aberration and
achieve better image quality.

Q1. A dental technician uses a small mirror that gives a magnification of 4.0 when it is held 0.60 cm from a
tooth. What is the radius of curvature of the mirror?
𝑞 1 1 2
A1. − 𝑝 = 4, hence p = -2.0, then 6.0 + −2.4 = − 𝑅 R = -1.6 cm

Q2. A convex spherical mirror has a focal length of -1.00 m. A small object is 2.00 m in front of the mirror
on its central axis. (a) Locate the image. (b) Compute the magnification. (c) Describe the image.
Q3. Compute the position and diameter of the image of the Moon in a polished sphere of diameter 20 cm.
The diameter of the Moon is 3500 km, and its distance from the Earth is 384 000 km, approximately.
A2. q = -2/3 m; a negative image distance means the image is virtual, (b) M= +1/3; A positive magnification
means an upright image; (c) the image is virtual, right-side-up, and minified.
A3. 5.0 cm inside sphere, 0.46 mm.

48

Abel U. Osagie
[email protected]
Whatsapp: +234 8122 100 528