THE RAY DIAGRAM OF A PLANE MIRROR

A Ray Diagram Showing the formation of an Image by a Plane Mirror

CHARACTERISTICS

 The image produced is upright.

 The image is the same size as the object (i.e., the magnification is m = 1)
 The image is the same distance from the mirror as the object appears to be (i.e., the image
distance = The object distance)
 A ray of light falling on a plane mirror at any angle gets reflected from the mirror such that
the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
THE RAY DIAGRAM OF A CONVEX MIRROR

A Ray Diagram Showing the formation of an Image by a Convex Mirror

CHARACTERISTICS

 Any incident ray traveling parallel to the principal axis on the way to a convex mirror
will reflect in such a manner that its extension will pass through the focal point.
 Any incident ray traveling towards a convex mirror such that its extension passes through
the focal point will reflect and travel parallel to the principal axis.
THE RAY DIAGRAM OF A CONCAVE MIRROR

A Ray Diagram Showing the formation of an Image by a Concave Mirror

CHARACTERISTICS

 Any incident ray traveling parallel to the principal axis on the way to the mirror will pass
through the focal point upon reflection.
 Any incident ray passing through the focal point on the way to the mirror will travel
parallel to the principal axis upon reflection.