REFLECTION

41; OF
LIGHT

beautiful
around us. We are able to see the watch
needed to seethings and
fornm of energy. Light is see pictures in a magazine,
read a book, imagein
a
jghtisaround us because of light. We can light. Andit is light which makes us see our around
world
and moviesdueto
the existence of various objects (or things) objects
helevision Though we see the
mirror: We detect light
with our eyes. also need a source of
light to make
cannot see any object. We because there
ooking
eyes but eves alone dark room or in the darkness of night bulb (a
objectina
Our
example, we cannot see any objects visible. But as soon as an electric clearly.
make
NeForinadark room or in the night to on the
them
objects, we are able to see This light
and light falls object.
&nOlght torch. etc.) is switched on that we are able to seethat
or a enters our eyes
te-light from an object object.
ony
whenlight coming
object itself or it may have been reflected bythereflected. For example,
beenemitted bythe
ts is
mAThave which it comes or from which it eyes.
enables us to see objects from
the light coming from the sun enters our
iht sun because
out light. We can see the bulb,
tesungives sun, other stars, electric
Te obiectslike the and fire, etc., which
emit
candle
mhe light,torch, luminous objects (see
are called
the¥rown light luminous objects due
to
the
Fgure 1). We can see
emitted by them. Though luminous objects
telight they help us to see a
ery small in number but
The
variety of non-luminous objects around us.
ge do not have light
hecs like aflower, a chair or a tableable to see them. (b) A flower does not give
t their own but even then
we are (a) An electric bulb gives its own light. It is a
objects its own light. It is a
iscan be explainedas follows: Though the
emit light luminous object.
non-luminous object.
ea flower, achair or a table, etc., do not non-luminous objects.
which they Figure 1. Luminous and
Gnselres, we can see them by the light
Eikt (or scatter) by taking it from a luminous object when the sunlight or bulb light falls on a flower
Figure 2). So,
SUn or an electric bulb, etc. (see light is reflectedtowards us. And when this reflected light
any other object), some of this eyes, this light appears to
ters our eyes, then we are able to see the flower or chair (because to our
Those objects which do not emit light themselves but only
rleOuctm(oring scatter) the light which falls on them, are called non-luminous objects.
from flower or chair).
the Aflower, chair,
bed, mirror, diamond, walls, floor, and road.
book,
t all
trees, other plants, human beings, fan,
of the objects around us are non-lumninous objects.
most
non-luminous objects. In fact,
toe for Tenth Class: 189
Physics
 We cansee the non-luminous objects because they reflect light (received from
(because it does not
into our eyes. Even the moon is a non-luminous object
can see the moon because it reflects the sunlight falling on its surface towards have its lumtihneous
us (on own
earth).
Sunlight
falls on
the flower Sunlight
reflected

by
flower
enters

The flower o ue
ryes

reflects
sunlight in all
directions

(a) We can see the flower during day time because

it reflects sunlight falling on it into our (b) We can see
eyes. the chair at t
bulb light falling on it night because it reflets
Figure 2. We see most of the objects around
us by the light into our eyes.
From the above discussion we
conclude thhat reflected fromthem. f
sensation of sight. Light travels in straight lines. light is a form of
The fact that a energy which causes in us the
shadow of an opaque object tells us that light
could bend easily and go behind the travels in1 a straightsmall source of light casts a
line
opaque object, then no shadow could path. This is sharp
discuss the nature of light. be formed. We willif light
now
because
t
Nature of Light S

There are two theories about the

nature of light: wave theory of light
According to wave theory: Light consists
medium (like solid, liquid or gas) for theirof electromagn etic waves whichanddoparticle
not
theory of light.
small (being only about 4x10-7 m to propagation. The require a material
3x 10° metres per second in 8x 10-7 m). The speed of wavelength
light
of visible light waves is very
which travel in a straight line waves
vacuum). According to particle theory: Light is is very high (being about sh

'photon. at very high composed

speed. The elementary particle that defines light of particies
is the si
Some of the phenomena of light by
whereas others can be explained onlycanif be explained only if light is considered to be made up of waves
phenomena of reflection, light is thought to be made up of particles. For example, the
interference and refraction,
polarization of light diffraction
can only (bending
be explainedof iflight
light is considered
around to be
the corners ofof tiny
waveobjects),
nature. de
of
The particle theory of light cannot
explain these phenomena. On the other hand, the phenomena of th
casting of shadows of objects by light ofand thought
lightisisevidence Sil
to be made of particles. Wave theory lightphotoelectric
cannot explain
effectthese phenomena.
can be only ifthere
explained Thus, a
for the wave nature of light as
well as for particle nature of
Physics experiments over the past hundred years or solight.
have demonstrated that light has a dual Ar
nature (double nature): light exhibits the properties of both waves and particles (depending on the
situation it is in). The modern theory of light called 'Quantum Theory of Light' combines both the of
wave and particle models of
light.
190 Reflection of Light
CEFLECTION OF LIGHT
When light falls on the surface of an object, some of it is sent back. The process of sending back
rays which fall on the surface of an object, is called reflection of light. The reflection of
helight
shown in Figure 3. When a beam of light AO falls on a mirror at point O, it is sent back by
htis
mirrorinanother direction OB (see Figure 3). And we say that the mirror has reflected the beam
he it. We can comnpare the reflection of light to the bouncing back of a tennis ball on
ght falling on
HItinga
wall For example, if we throw atennis ball at a wall, the ball bounces back. This means that
thewall
sends it back. Similarly, when light falls on the surface of an object,the object sends the light
say that the object reflects the light. Most of the objects reflect light which falls on them.
hack AndYwe retlect more light whereas other objects reflect less light. The objects having polished,
objects
Some more light than objects having unpolished, dull surfaces.
hiningsurfaces
reflect
(say, a chair) kept in a room can A
Light falls on
Weknow that an object the room. This is due to the fact mirror MIRROR
from all the parts of
eseen rough surface, an object reflects
t usually, because of itsallthe directions. Since the reflected
(or scatters light) in
room, the object can be seen
mirror

joht reaches all the parts of the reflectedby

however, the surface of an
iam all the parts of the room. It,
Lightis
mirror), then the light falling B
ohiectis smooth (like that of a (as shown in Figure 3). Figure 3. A mirror reflects the light falling
an it is reflected in only one direction on it.
reflectors of light. For
Silver metal is one of the best
silver metal reflects almost all But the surface of silver metal iseasily
eample, a polished block of transmit any light through it.
not of silver
the light falling on it and does
ordinary mirrors are made by depositing a thin layerred paint.
sratched and soon becomes rough. So, sheet. The silver layer is then protected by a coat surface of
in it.
glass silver
metal on the back side of a plane mirror (or any other mirror) takes place at the
plane M
The reflection of light in a
Plane mirror
Thus, a plane mirror is PLANE (Front side) Back side
athin, flat and smooth
Back side of
MIRROR plane mirror of
plane
sheet of glass having a Front
side
(Silver coating
on glass sheet mirror
shining coating of silver of covered by
metal on one side. The plane red paint)
mirror
siver coating is protected M
by a red paint. These is
days mirrors are being (b) This is how a plane mirror
(a) A plane mirror. represented in diagrams.
made increasingly by
depositinga thin coating Figure 4.
of aluminium mnetal at because aluminium is much cheaper than
This is
the back of a glass sheet (instead of silver coating). shown in Figure 4(a). The mirror on our dressing
slver and it reflects light very well. A plane mirror is
table in which we see our face is a plane mirror.
everyday life, we shapes and sizes depending on where they
use plane mirrors of different
In our
used. But in a science rectangular strip of plane mirror is usually used for
s on the laboratory, asmall
being
are
Performing experiments diagrams, a plane mirror is represented by
reflection light.
line having a number of short,
of In our
side [see Figure 4(b)]. The plane
side
astraight lineis the front oblique lines on one
the side
of straight
side of the mirror (where the reflection of light takes place). And
Science forTenth Class: Physics
191
 heving shot oblique lines represents the back side of the plane mirror. In Figure
4(b), the
MM (ed as MM-dash) represents a plane mirror.
We will also be using rays of light in constructing the ray-diagrams. . Aray of
line along which light travels, The arrow head put on the straight line tells us light is
straight lirng,
thelght is travelling. A'bundle of light rays' is called a beam of light. the
We
election of light from the plane surfaces like that of a plane mirror. This is diwillrectnowiotnhe instrawhigihcth
the reflection of light from spherical mirrors.
necessary to study the
REFLECTION OF LIGHT FROM PLANE SURFACES: PLANE MIRROR
When a ray of light falls on a plane mirror (or any other plane
understand
some laws, called the laws of reflection of light. In order to surface), it is
understand the laws reflected
should first know the meaning of the terms:
the point of incidence), angle of
In Figure 5, we have a plane
incident
incidence, and angle of
ray, point
reflection.
of
incidence,
of
reflection
reflected acoforldiginhtgt,uwe
discuss ray, normal
So, we will (a
mirror
called the incident ray. In Figure 5, A0 isMM. The ray of light which falls
the incident ray of light. The on the
these terms firs.
in which light falls on the
incident mirror surface is
point of incidence. In Figuremirror. The point at which the incident
5,point Oon the ray falls on the
ray gives the direction
the incident ray AO
touches the mirror surface at this surface of the mirror
mirror is the point of incidence the is called
on amirror, the mirror
sends it back in another point). We know that when a ray of (becaise
ray of light. The ray of light
which is sent
direction and we say that the mirror has light fls
OB is the reflected ray of back by the mirror is called reflected the
after reflection from the light. The reflected ray of light shows the the reflected ray. In Figure 5,
mirror.
Another term that we will be using is the
direction which the light goes
in
surface at the point of incidence. In 'normal. The 'normal is a line at right
at the point of other words, 'normal' is a line which is angle to the mirror
incidence.
is the normal to the In Figure 5, the mirror is MM perpendicular to the mirrr
mirror surface at point0. The and the point of incidence is O. So, the line O
distinguish it from the
line to the mirror, andincident ray andthe reflected ray. normal has been represented by a
dottea e a

normal is aline at right

it should not be
called Please note
the 'normal ray' like the that 'normal is sjust a'perpendicular
angles to the mirror surface. reflected ray. The
the surface of the plane In other words, incident ray or angle of90° with
The angle of
mirror. We will now discuss the normal makes an
angle of incidence and the angle of reflection.
of incidence. In incidence is the angle made by the point
other words, the angle
incidence. In Figure 5, the incident ray is between incident ray with the normal at theangle
the incident ray and normal is called the of
incidence. The angle of incidence is AO and the normal is ON, so
the angle AON isthe
angle of
The angle of denoted by the letter i.
of reflection is
incidence. In other words, the angle the angle made by the reflected ray with the normal at theangle point
of
reflection. In Figure 5, the reflected ray isbetween OB andthe the reflected
normal israyON,andso the angleis NOB
normal
calledisthe
theangleof
reflection. The angle of reflection is denoted by the letter r. Keeping these points in mind, we willnow
describe the laws of reflection of
light.
Laws of Reflection of Light
The reflection of light from a spherical
surface
planesurface (likethat of a a known
(like that of a mirror) or from which are
as the laws of concave mirror or convex mirror) takes place according
plane
to twolaws,
reflection of light. The laws of reflection of light are given below:
192 Refection of Light
 M
Law of Retlection. According to the first law of Plane
LFirst mirror
ectionoflight: The incident ray, the reflected ray, andthe
I(at the point of incidence), all lie in the same plane.
Areample,in Figure 5, the incident ray A0, the reflected ray
Bandthe normal ON, all lie in the same plane, the plane of
Incidet ray
Angle of
incidence
They are neither coming up out of the paper; nor going N
Normal
Point of
jn into the paper. Angle of
reflection
incidence
Second Law of Reflection. According to the second law
wlction of light: The angle of reflection is always equal
the angle of incidence. \We can also state the second law of
dotion of light as follows by writing the angle of incidence
The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection. If
he angle of incidence is i and the angle of reflection is r, then Figure 5. Reflection of light from a plane
sOrding to the second law of reflection: mirror.
Li= Lr
Plane
Plane
For example, if we measure the mirror
mirror

nge of reflection NOB in Figure 5,

Eill ind that it is exactly equal
the angle of incidence AON. 35 N
The second law of reflection
dlight means that if the angle of
incidence is 35°, then the angle B

d reflection will also be 35° (see

higure 6). And if the angle of Figure 6. If the angle of incidence Figure 7. When the angle of
iadence is changed to 45°, then thbe is 35°, then the angle of reflection incidence is changed to 45°, the
is also 35°. angle of reflection also becomes
angle of reflection will also change 45°.
and become 45° (see Figure 7).
eery case, the angle of reflection remains eq1ual to the angle of incidence.
We will now describe what happens when a ray of light falls normally Plalane M
perpendicularly) on the surface of a mirror. Ifa ray of light is incident mirror
normal to the
ormally on a mirror, it means that it is travelling along the zero Incident
ray

So, the angle of incidence(i) for such a ray of light is (0). And N (Normal)
e the angle of incidence is zero, therefore, according to the second law Reflected
ray
d relection, its angle of reflection (r) will also be zero (0). This means
aray of lightwhich is incident normally (or perpendicularly) on
&mirror, is reflected back along the same path (because the angle of M
Figure 8. Aray of light
incident normally (at 90°)
Horncidexample,
ence as sinwellFigure
as the angle of reflection for such aray of light are zero).
8, aray of light falls on the plane mirror along the to the mirror surface is
ormal INO, therefore, it will be reflected alongthe same path ON. So, in reflected back along the
is case, the incident ray will be NOand the reflected ray will be ON. In same path.
otwoher words, the same line represents incident ray, normal and retlected ray. We shoula
arrow
Incident ray heads on the same'normal' line pointing in opposite directions - one
and the other arrow to represent reflected ray (as shown in Figure 8). arrow however
t0 , put
represent
Cience for Tenth Class:
PhysicS
193
 Please note that the laws of reflection of light apply to all kinds of
as spherical mirrors (like concave mirrors and convex mirrors). mirrors, plane
By using the laws of
we can find out the nature and position of the images (of
Regular Reflection and Diffuse Reflection of Light
objects) formed by the:
mi r ors
various retyflpesectionof ligh
of
as wel
In regular reflection, a parallel beam of
incident light is mir or,
direction. In this case, parallel incident rays remain
direction (see Figure 9). Regular reflection of light parallel even after reflected
as a
parallel beam in one
mirror (or highly polished metal surfaces). For occurs from
example, when a
reflection
and go only in
smooth surfaces
Smooth surface of a plane mirror, it is like one
Figure 9. Thus, a plane mirror reflected as a parallel
regular reflection beam
parallel beam
in only one of that
light of a
plane
reflection of light. For example, aproduces falls on the
Images dirformed
ection
of
smooth surface (like that of a light. as
of an object due to
also produce regular regular reflection of light. Ahighly plane
polished metal mirror)
are
byshown in
metal object as well asreflection of light and form
in the still water images. This is why we surface and produces
a still clearreimgulag:ar
a
smooth and hence produces regular surface of a pond or can see our face water surface
reflection of light. lake. A
polished in a
Parallel
rays of
wooden table polisishedvery
light Parallel
rays of
light

Light rays Light rays

reflected reflected
in one in different
direction Smooth surface directions
only (Plane mirror)
Figure 9. Regular
reflected in onlyreflection:
is Rough surface
Incident light
one direction. (Sheet of paper)
Figure 10. Diffuse reflection: Incident
Theregular light is reflected in different
particles reflection of light from asmooth
of a smooth directions.
surface (like a plane
incidence for all the parallel surface can be explained as follows: All the
mirror) are facing in one direction. Due to this the angle of
reflection for all the rays of rays of light falling on a smooth surface is the same and hence the angle of
are the same (or light is also the same.
equal), a beam of parallel rays of Since the angle of incidence and the angle ofasreflection
of parallel light rays
in one light jalling on asmooth surface is reflected a beam
direction only
In diffuse
case, the parallelreflection, a parallel beam(seeof incident
Figure 9).
reflected In
in different directions.different
this
incident light is
directions (see Figure 10). The diffuse reflection is also
rays do not remain parallel after
known as irregular
reflection, theyreflection or
are scattered
diffuse reflection of light takes place from rough surfaces like that of paper, cardboard, chalk, table,
scattering.
in
The
chair, walls and unpolished metal objects. For example, when a parallel beam oflight rays falls on the
rough surface of a sheet of paper, the light is scattered by making reflected rays in different directions
(see Figure 10). Thus, a sheet of paper produces diffuse reflection of light. No image is formed in
diffuse reflection of light. For not produce an image
a rough surface (like that of paper)
does rough surface of
of the object due to example, falling on the
paper are scattered indiffuse reflectionandof light. Actually, the
all directions
light rays
hence no image is formed. Reffecfion of Ligh
194
 The diffuse reflection of light from a rough surface can be explained as follows: The particlesof
rough surface (like that of paper) are all facing in different directions. Due to this, the angles
da hence the angles
incidencefor all the parallel rays of light falling on a rough surface are different and and the angles of
for all the rays of light are also different. Since the angles of incidence directions
dreflection go in different of the laws(seeof
roflection are diferent, the parallel rays of light falling on a rough notsurface
due to the failure
Figure10). Please note
that the diffuse reflection of light is
Diffuse reflection is caused by the roughness (or irregularities) in the reflecting surface
tion. the
(like paper or cardboard, etc.). The laws of reflection are valid at each point even on
ofanobject object.
rough surface of an objects are rough (or uneven) the objects
to somne extent. So, most of directions.
The surfaces of most of the and scatter the light falling on them
in all
light
around us cause diffuse
reflection of
they scatter light rays falling on them in all directions.
fact, we can see these objects only because all parts of the room due todiffuse reflection
In from
on atable can be seen incident lightin allparts of a
Ror example, a book lying surface of book, being rough, scatters the screen has a rough surface
The cinema
of hight from its surface. be seen from all parts of the room. A receives light from a film projector
can screen
room. Hence the book light falling on it. The cinema sitting anywhere in the hallcan see
reflection of people
and causes diffuse directions in the cinema hallso that
and scatters it in all the screen.
on
the picture focused rays
Anything which gives out light face,
Objects and Images meaning. our
term 'object' has a special bulb, a candle, a pin-head, an arrow,be of two
light, the object. A objects can
Inthe study ofreflected by it) is called an view of study oflight. The objects). In drawing
(either its own or of objects from the point of objects (called extended according to our
examples objects) or large type of objects
or a tree, are all objects (called point images, we will be using both or apin-head) are represented
types: very small for the formation of (like
light
point sources ofarrow pointing upwards.
ray-diagrams objects
the ray-diagrams, the point represented by drawing 'an coming from an object
conveniernce. In
extended objects are produced when light rays
clear from the following
become
Dy a dot, and
the
optical
appearance
a lens). This will mirror is actuallya 'reflection'
image is an refracted through in the see the image
In physics,from amirror (or our face. What we see look into a mirror, we image: The
we see we is the
are reflected we look intoa mirror, face. Thus, when
we see in the mirror the cinema
Cxample. When of our and what a movie in
is called 'image the object' While watching note that an image is
of our face and it thiscase. our face' is behind the mirror. screen. Please
in it. In situated cinema after reflection
of our face face appears to be and actresses on the appear to meet) at a point,
mage of our actors meet (or realimages and virtual images.
images of object types:
hall, we See the coming from an images are oftwo
light rays through alens). The
formed when the refraction
from a nirror (or below. cinema hall, we see
discussed real image. In a
These are called a an
Images is a cinema screen is
Images and Virtual obtained on a screen theimages foormed on object
Real
which can be the screen. So, formed when light rays coming from an image
The imnage
actors and actresses
on
realimage is
(or refraction through a lens). Areal
the images of A
Figure 11). from a mirror througha real image. Realimages can be
images (see
example of real
a point after reflection rays actually pass
real images. We will studythe formation of
actually meet at because light can also form
formed on a screen lens
can be
a concave mirror. A convex after a while. 195
formed by ray-diagrams
with the help of
real imnages Class: Physics
 formed Figure 12. When we look into a mirror, we see our image
ofactorsand actresses in it. The image formed in a plane mirror is a virtual ima
Fiqure 11. Theimage real image.
cinema screen is a
on a
cannot be obtainedon a screen is called a virtual image. A virtual ca image
The image which
image of our face formed by a plane mi
be seen only by looking into a mnirror (or a lens). The
screen, it can be seen only by looking into the mirror. So, the image of n
Cannot be obtained on a
example of virtual image (see Figure 12). Virtual images are also cil
face in a plane mirror is an comin
image is formed when light rays
unreal images. Avirtual image is just an illusion. A virtual backwards (but do not actually met
from an object only appear to meet at a point when produced virtual image cannot be formed ona
after reflection from a mirror (or refraction through a lens). A always forms
screen because light rays do not actually pass through a virtual image. A plane mirror
virtual images. Similarly, a convex mirror also forms only virtual images. A concave mirror can form
avirtual image only when the object is kept within its focus. As we will study in the topicon lenses, !
concave lens always forms virtual images but aconvex lens forms a virtual image only when theobjed
is within its focus. We will study the formation of virtual images with the help of ray-diagrams ad
a while.
We will now describe the formation of image in a plane mirror. Before we do that please remember
that an object gives out a large number of light rays in all the directions but we will use only tyo
rays coming from the object to showthe formation of image. This is done just to keep the ray-diagram
simple. Another point to be noted is that the real rays of light are represented by full lines(solid lines
whereas virtual rays of light are reppresented by dotted lines (broken lines). The real rays of lightcan
exist only in front of a mirror. The virtual rays of light are those which we show behind a mirror. The
virtual light rays do not exist at all (because passing through
light cannot reach behind the mirror by of an
it). They just appear to be coming from behind how the image
object is formed in a plane mirror byusing the the mirror. We will now describe
laws of reflection of light.
Formation of Image in a Plane Mirror
Consider asmall object O(say, a plane mirror MM (s
Figure 13). The mirror will point source of light) placed in front of a know howthisimagt
has been formed. form an image I of the object O. Now, we want to all directions but we5
This happens as follows: The object Ogives out light rays in the objectlaw'
0
need only two rays of light from
to locate the image. Now, a ray of light OA coming according to the
incident
of
on the plane AX
mirror at point Aand it gets reflected in the directionincidence Figure1
i,(seereflectedin
reflection
Another ray
of light making
of
the angle of reflection r, equal to the angle of
Band
gets
light
the direction BY, againOB making
coming from the object Ostrikes the mirror at
the angle of reflection r, equal to the point
angle of incidence i,.
196 Reflection of Light
 The two rreflected rays AX and BY are diverging M
novingavway from one another), so they cannot meet on Plane
mirror
helettside. Let us produce the reflected rays AX and BY
Akwards (as shown by dotted lines in
Figure 13).They
etatpoint Ibehind the mirror. Now, when the reflected
Object
Irmage

and BY enter the eye of a person at

theeveseesthe rays of light in the straight lineposition
directionE,
inwhichthe reflected rays enter it. So, the person looking
intothe mirror from position Esees the reflected rays as B

they are coming from the point I behind the mirror

because/ is the point of intersection of the reflected rays
ahenproduced backwards to the right side). Thus, point I E M
stheimage of the object Oformed by the plane mirror. Figure 13. Formation of image in a plane mirror.
an Br example, if our face is at position O in front of the
or Jne mirror, then we will see the image of our face in the mirror at point I.
Please note that the image formed by a plane mirror can be seen only by looking into the mirror.
ed Ria screen is placed at position I, no image would be fornmed on it because the light rays do not
ng atually pass through the point 1, they only appear to do so. An image of this type, which cannot be
et Eeived on a screen, is known as a virtual image. Another point to be noted is that the light rays
1a own by dotted lines behind the mirror are only imaginary light rays. There can be no real light rays
which
ms hehind a mirror because it has a silvered reflecting surface at its back (covered with a paint)
is no light coming to
dies not allow light rays to pass through it and go behind the mirror. So, there mirror which appears
tie person directly from the image point I. It is only the light reflected from the
ect bbe coming from the image point I.
te

nage of an Extended Object (or Finite Object)

We have just studied that a plane mirror forms a Plane
actual mirror
ht
pt image of a point object. But most of the A
jects are much bigger than a mere 'point' and they a r e A
aled extended objects' or finite objects. An extended
be made
t(or bigger object) can be considered to
af N Image
objects. So, Object
Very, very large number of point
collection of the E
be image of an extended object is a
a points of the
Tage points corresponding to the various mirror B
forms
bject. We will now describe howa plane
extended
e useofanan'arrow object. In our ray- diagrams, N
We will pointing upwards' to represent an
Cended object (or finite object).
In AB (an arrow
Figure 14, an extended object plane mirror Figure 14. The formation of image of an extended
inting a
upwards) is placedin frontof ofarrow
order to locate the inmage
AB in the object (here an arrow AB) ina plane mirror.
Fne positions of
we will first find out the
ofmiritsorpoint
tiages) From , bottom
and an
A, weAdraw
This can be done as follows:
point B.
top point incident ray AC perpendicularto the mirror (see Figure 14). This will
eflected back along the same path. So, CA is the first reflected ray. We now draw another incident

Gence for Tenth Class: Physics 197

 reflected along
ray AD which strikes the mirror at point D. The ray AD is DE,making
retlection (r) equal to the angle of incidence (i,). Thus, DE is the second reflected ray here. an ange mi

the two reflected rays CA and DE backwards by dotted lines. They meet at We
is the virtual image of the top point A of the object.
point A' pro
(A-dash). AduG
So,
Wi

(ii) From point B, we draw an incident ray BF perpendicular to the mirror. This will th
back along the same path, giving the reflected ray FB. Another incident ray BG is reflectedbe
alorengflece,
an

making the angle of reflection (r) equal to the angle of incidence (i). We produce the GH im
rays FB and GH backwards by dotted lines. They meet at point B' (B-dash). So, B' is the two reflecte is

of the bottom point B of the object. virtual imag W

In this way we have located the images of the top point Aand bottom point Bof a

each point of the object (or arrow) between Aand B will give a point image which willthe
lie
object. No W

points A' and B'. So, to get the complete image of object AB, we join the points A' and B' between the
W

line. Thus, A'B (A-dash B-dash) is the complete image of the object AB by a th
which has been formeidottel in
the plane mirror (see Figure 14). th
The image is virtual, erect (same side up as the object,
because both the object and image have arrow-head at the
top), and of the same size as the object. Please note that in th
Figure 14, the image A'B' has been drawn by dotted line
just to show that it is a virtual image. Thus, the nature
of image formed by a plane mirror is virtual and
erect.
And the size of image formed by a plane mirror is t
to that of the object. The image is at the equal
same distance a
behind the plane mirror as the object (arrow) is in a
of the mirror. front
The Position of Image Formed in a
Plane Mirror
The image formed in a plane
distance behind the mirror as themirror is at the same Figure 15. The image of candlein the plane me
the same distance behind the mirror as u
the mirror (see Figure 15). In other object is in front of iscandle
object are at equal distances from awords,
is in front of the mirror.
plane the image
mirror and are on the
but they opposite sides of the plane mmirrot
For example, if an object is placed at a
distance of 5 cm in front of a plane
mirror, then its image will also be formed
mirror. And the total distance between theat a distance of 5 cm behind the
5= 10 cm. That is, the object will be at a object and its image will be 5 +
distance of 10 cm from its image.
Lateral Inversion
IIwe stand in front of a big plane mirror, we
In it. Though our image appears to be just as we
see the image of our boay
This is because if we lift are, but there is a difference.
our right hand, then our image lifts its left hand.
And if we lift our left hand, then the image
(see Figure 16). This means that the right side appears
of ourto body
lift itsbecomes
right hane
left hano
Ourleft
handn
side in the image; whereas the left side of our body becomes right side 16.
Figure beight
to
in the image. It appears as if our image has been 'reversed sideways' with appears
themirrorimage.
respect to our body. This effect of reversing the sides of an object and its
image is called lateral inversion. And we say that the image formed in a plane
RefectionofLight
198
 'sideways reversed'
formed in aplane mirror is
words, the image follows:
laterally inverted. In othernow define lateral inversion as
We can
mect to the object. front of a plane mirror, then
placed in
en an object is to become the left side of image;
appears of
atsideofobject appears to become the right side
left side of object an 'object' and its 'mirror image'
This change ofsides of phenomenon of lateral inversion RED
The
dlateral inversion. following example. Suppose we have
-come clear from the written on it [see Figure
17(a)].
word RED of
ard having the front of a plane mirror, the image
we hold this placard in note (b) Laterally inverted
be like GA [see Figure 17(6)]. Please the (a) Object
image (as seen in
RED appears to has the letter R on its left side but plane mirror)
che object (placard) right side. Similarly,
reversed form A on its And the letter D show lateral
ehas this letter in reversed like d. Figure 17. Diagram to
be
nage of letterEappears to (placard) is on the left side of the
inversion.

ne right side of the object . Thus, allthe letters written on

ge in the reversed form
as image is laterally inverted. This is an example
the
placard are reversed from left to right. We say that
inversion is due to the reflection of light.
phenomenon of lateral
ateral inversion. The formed in a
discussion we conclude that the image
From the above
inverted (or sideways reversed) with respect to
ne mirror is laterally inversion that the image of our right hand
eobject. It is due to lateral plane mirror
So, when we sit in front of a
pears to be our left hand. appears in the mirror that we are writing
hand, it
dwrite with our right to lateral inversion that the
parting
And it is also due
Gth the left hand. on the left when seen in form of
amirror.
right appears to be aMAJU8MA
0ur hair on the hospital vans is written in the when
AMBULANCE on the
he word
aMAJUAMA (see Figure 18). This is because
Smirror image as behind in
our car and see the hospital van coming from
We are driving
we will get the laterally inverted image of
then
Dur rear-view mirror, AMBULANCE. Since an ambulance carries Figure 18. An ambulance.
JAJUEMA and read it as and reach the Please note the word
pass throughcharacteristics
make way for it to AMBULANCE written in the
eriousiy ill patients, we can position to give all the form of its mirror image.
hospital quickly. We are now in a
of an image formed by a plane mirror. mirror is virtual. It cannot
be received
formed in a plane
I. The image
on a screen. erect. It is the same side
up as the object.
a plane mirror is
2. The image formed in mirror is of the same size as the object. the mirror as the object is
3. Ihe image in a
plane
mirror is atthe same distance behind
4. The Image formed by a plane
in front of the mirror.
mirror is laterally inverted (or sideways reversed)
a plane
D. The image formed in
Uses 1.ofPlane
Planemirrors
Mirrorsare used to see ourselves. The mirrors on our dressing table and in bathrooms

2. are
Plane mirrors are fixed on the inside walls of certain shops (like jewellery shops)to makethem
plane mirrors.

look bigger.
Science for Tenth Class: Physics 199
 3. Plane mirrors are fitted at blind turns of some busy roads so that
coming from the other side and prevent accidents.
4. Plane mirrors are used in making periscopes.
drivers can see the
We will now solve some problems based on plane mirrors.
Sample Problem 1. An incident ray makes an angle of 35° with
is the angle of reflection? the surface of a
Solution. In order to find out the angle of plane mir or.
first know the angle of reflection, we shoula Wta
incidence.
incident ray makes an angle of
In this case, the A
Plmiarrce
the mirror (see Figure 19), 35° with the surface of
not 35°, The angle of so the angle of
incident ray and incidence incidence is
is the angle Angle of
of normal. So, in this case, between incidence
of incidence will be 90° -35°= 55°.
the angle 55
incidenceis also 55 degrees,
reflection
is Since the angle
55 degrees. therefore, the angle of
551
Angle of
Figure 19. This is shown reflection
Sample Problem 2. David is clearly in
observing his
and his image is image plane
4 m. If he in a Figure 19.
B

between moves m mirror. The

(a) 3 m David and his image will be: towards thedistance
1
between
mirror, then
the miru
the
Solution. (i) In this problem,
(b) 5 m
(c) 6 m
distanc:
and David's David isthe object. (d) 8 m
is equal to image is 4 m. Since Initially, the distance
distance the of object between the mir
David (which is
of image from distance
plane mirror, from plane mirU
object), from the plane is therefore, the distance t
4m
-4 m -
mirror also 4 m (see Figure
David 6m
(Object) -3 m
Plane
Image -3 m
David
mirror (Object) Image
Figure 20. Plane
(ii) David moves I m mirror
Figure 21.
from mirror towards the
distance behindwill thebe 4 - 1=3asmirror. This means that the distance of David
m. Since the
distance of mirror the object is image is formed at the same
Now, imageDistance from mirror in this case
of David from
in front of it,
will also be 3 m therefore, 21)
(see Figure
the
And, mirror = 3m
So, Distance of image from mirror=3 mn (in front)
Distance between David and his (at the back)
image = 3 m +3 m
200 Thus, the correct option is: =6 mn
(c) 6 m.
Reflection of Light
 mple Problem 3. The rear view mirror of a car is a plane mirror. A driver is reversing his car at
a speed of 2 m/s. The driver sees in his rear view
mirror, the image of a truck
parked behind his car. The speed at which the image of the truck
approach the driver will be:
to appears
(a) 1m/s (b) 2 m/s
(c) 4 m/s (d) 8 m/s
Solution. In a plane mirror, the object and its image always remain at the same distance
from the mirror. So, when the car reverses at a speed of 2 m/s, then the image
will also appear to move towards the mirror at the same speed of 2 m/s. So,
the speed at which the image of truck appears to approach the car driver will
be 2 m/s+ 2 m/s = 4 m/s. Thus,the correct option will be: (c) 4 m/s.
questions:
Before we go further and discuss spherical mirrors, please answer the following

Very Short Answer Type Questions

normally (or perpendicularly) on the surface of a plane mirror?

happens when a ray of light falls reflection?
1. What mirror
of
at an angle of 30°, What is the angle will be the angle
light is incident on a plane
2. Aray of angle of 40° to the mirror surface.
What
3. A ray of light strikes a
plane mirror at an
of reflection? the:
light is incident normally on a plane mirror. What will be
4. Aray of
(a) angle of incidence?
(b) angle of reflection?
5. What type of image is formed:
(a) in a plane mirror?
the object?
(b) on a cinema screen?
obtaining a virtual image of the same size as left side
What kind of mirror is requiredfor right side of an object appears to be the
O. which the
the phenomenon in
What is the name of
of the image in a plane mirror? for the following
effect:
appears in the mirror that
8. Name the phenomenon responsiblemirror and write with our right hand, it
a plane
When we sit in front of left hand. far would it be from its
are writing with the from of a plane mirror, how
we of 10 cm in
9. If an object is placed at a distance held in front of a
light source?
when it is type of
id image? pencil cast a shadow What name is given to this
10. Which property of light makes a cannot be formed on a screen.
mirror
I1. The Seen in a plane
the
21).
image
image? suitable word: are.........
12, Fill in the following blank with a incidence and reflection
ont) of
When light is reflected, the angles or false: reflectedl back by the object.
ack) statement is true from our eyes is
13. State whether the following because light
see an object mirror?
Astudent Says that we can something in a incidence is 30°. What angle does the reflected
look at
14, Where is the when you angle of
imnage mirror suchthat its
15. Aray of Strikes a plane
light
ray make with the mirror surface? 201
for Tenth Class: Physics
 Short Answer Type Questions

16. What is the difference between areal image and a virtual image? Give one
image. example of each type d
17. The letter Fis placed in front of a plane mirror:
(a) How would its image look like when seen in a plane mirror?
(0) What is the name of the phenomenon involved?
18. What is lateral inversion? Explain by givinga suitable example.
19. Writethe word AMBULANCE as it would appear when
written in this way (as its mirror image) on the front ofreflectedan
in a plane mirror.
Why is it
20. What are the important ambulance? Sometime,
yourself in a plane mirror?differences between looking at a photograph of your
face and
21. (a) Awall reflects light and a
light? mirror also reflects light. What a looking
(b) Which type of difference is there in the way thev reflect
22. What is the reflection of light leads to the
difference between regular formation of images?
reflection of light takes place from: reflection of light and diffuse
(a) a cinema
screen (b) a plane mirror
reflection of light? What type of
23. What can you (c) a cardboard (d) still
see in a
a light
source, explain howcompletely
you
dark room? If you switch on an
water surface of a lake
(a) the electric
bulb. could now see: electric bulb in this dark room as
(b) a piece of
24. (a) Aboy white paper.
with a mouth 5 cm
wide is the image wide stands 2 m
(b) The boy walks of his mouth? away from a plane mirror.
Where is his and how
image
him? towards the mirror at a speed of 1 m/s. At what
25. (a) An speed does his image approach
mirror.extended
Draw a
object in the formof an
(b) labelled
State the uses of ray-diagram toarrow
plane mirrors. show pointing
the upward has been
formation of its image.
placed in front of aplane

Long Answer Type

26. What is
Questions
meant by
light by drawing a reflection of
(a) Incident ray
(d) Reflected ray
labelled ray-dialight?
gram:
Define the following terms used in the study of reflection of
(b) Point of
27. State (e) incidence (c) Normal
of a and explain the laws of Angle of incidence () Angle of reflection
labelle d reflection of
angle of
28. With the refleray-di
help ction agram.
of a
is 47.5°, Mark the angles light
what will be the of
at a plane surface (like a plane mirror), with the help
incidence
angle of
and 'reflection' clearly on the diagram. Ifthe
incidence?
of labelledof it.ray-State
29. (a)light placed in front -diagram, describe how a plane mirrorformed forms an image of a point source
in a plane mirror.
Expl ain why,
image of face thoughin aboth a mirror
the
characteristics otf the image
reflect light but we can see the
(0) The imageour
plane mirror and asheet of paper
(c) Write all thein acapital
planelettersplane but not in a sheet of paper.
the sameWhat planethismirror
in adoes statement mean?
mirrorof isthe alphabet which look
virtual and laterally inverted.
202 Reflection of Light
 lp

bence 8 K
d60 30a) ° ad
relection plane 30,
S.Aay des iage
E.hs niat The 5 wtual, nTe
for bxplain Draw the man A The An Anan Questions
a is the image 2 abject
distance nl condipecintdieonlne
nd
Tenth ray-diagram mirror stands 2 5 Thefigure itua. fiomramgeed irtual image
at
wdiminihed Ketion
how reflected light ofchart sits cm
of in is
Class: to at
the QR strikesappear chart a anbetweenplaced 10 Based correct given
behind the behind
behind an
reflected
of for ts hetinciween dentan of
read from m
surface
the this
incident (MChCOs)oiocens
relection Ouest
Physics second placed optician' s alongside the the by obiect res
the to a whitoch 20 in on time ra
illustrate at e
thplane the cm front mirror ofmirror a formed wil
following 90°(d) 45°(bmirror
) rightplane be? (cm
b) 4 in High 9.25(02.3(65) is the mirrorupside-down
plane ( real(b) (690
) of on be k
faceschair, positions of and lig ht a equal
mirror front shows mirror and and
your angles
is: mirror the
looking large a Order of mirror by plane tandhrey te
message the the t of a wil the
PQmirror of of enlarged.
and the mirror
answer. same is plane be:
toand at
into
theplane a plane Thinking image angle
the enlarged. same
which an and original mirror. size mirror making plane
then
first angle a mirror. of o
is
plane size incidence
was mirror.strikes 50 a as is
of mirror cm (10 cm
c) and How Skills clock the as an 90 never(d ()
(d mirrorsometimes
found final The the angle
incidence behind far object.
The a as object. is
on second which images
mirror must (HOTS) seen of
angle his 90
some of he planeina The
head. is seenmoved is walk
2 with total
blotting
How m in
before the
30 30 away the 2 angle
paper: ---N far (dcm
)22 cm 60
(0
mirror
mirror he
120(d
away from towards beteen
IM is surface
is: 5
from him m
and the away the
his The incident
object. from
TTR D evesviews angle
203
 204 Convex
however,
front shining surface
rayour Inshort, of back side-view
thin look reflecting of reflection in mirrors. Convex twglass.
The spherical o mirror mirrors.
isspherical these
curveddescribe
light (ii) concave Figure the on parallelrays a
surfaceround at other (i) types: A them. plane Whena
shining REFLECTION So
oblique mirror has takes A a A part
Thespherical
we
steel convex concave surface. of 22(a), concave
whose mirrors. whereas
rays afar image 35.mirror, (b) 9. 2.
diagrams,
look been glass mirror surface mirror of Concave spherical of
th e mirror
parallel
is a light Please (d), 2 30°, 20
place a spherical we
surface spoonlines is covered concave in reflecting 'to of of m/ s, cm,
at marked shown mirror whose hollow We light
changes have the 36. 15. 3.
mirror (see The whichBtakes mirror mirror note spread 27.
it a in in mirrors beam 7.5 60°, 10. 50°,
is is at mnirrors, will
convex
with mirror inner
Figure which that (To discussed OFwritten 47.5°,
Light
is wean
the the is front Figure theplace sphere m, 17. 4.
bulging use B. in from is surface is
mirrors out' only
first of LIGHT 37.
example Figure that shining concave are the bring (a) (a)
non-reflecting The convex surfacea 22(a), the that and that the light message; (b), 29. travels
mirror only paint 23). at define the
spherical the as of of spherical the the (c) 1, 0°
other shown the which
parallel 38. (b)
utward 22(b), In direction rays FROM A, in(b)
the surface and front, surface having concave concave
SurfaceReflection
placeat of
takes
light parallel reflection
from is reflecting the Hold 4.5Lateral straight
of our H, 0°,
side surface shining (a) can falls I,
convex bulging spherical the m, 6.
he in
mirror ray-diagrams, it in short, A mirrors rays
but t-view appears Figure of concave converge rays CURVED 39.
inversion, M,
surface. which (or ofon written lines,Plane
thefront, A a surface
surface of
incident of (c) 0, ANSWERS
bulging-outoutward. and steel T,
mirror
of in in oblique have
light of light
plane 60°, 1ll.
back the which bent to 22(a). mirror B mirrors light U,mirror,
a Figure
The spoon has (or coating
protected
paint by Silver
message V,
appears convex be aor isSURFACES: fromn 40. Virtual 24.
convex -evruclike- light
surface
covered back-side (see inward like If, we bent-in
linesbeen diverge '
calledc loser mirror, The W, (a)
22(b), the is and X, 7.
however, use in image,
Figure surface). an is
rays, plane impression Y,Lateral
front 2
like
mirror reflecting reflection a marked Figure22. then together 'to m
whereaspiece example only the
surface). it 30.
a having th e
diverge surfaces
it is behind
non surface, of (a), 12.
tionLightofpiece as23). of A of we the studyparallel reflected does in
a A. SPHERICAL a inversion, equal,
with shown
of A is on
mirror mirror;
plane
31. the
thin, Concave a Concave is e not
convex
surface
back Figure
This
side
concave Reflection
at of
takes
place
light the so thcalled like blotting (d),
paint shining mirror
round in side reflection they rayslight converge as to 13.
23. (6) that 32.
isFigure is
mirror 'to read False, 8.
asteel The A of a
bent convex mirror convex rays).
are converge parallel of paper (c), Lateral
glass steel
spoonShining light it. 33.
22(b). whereasspoon front also or MIRRORS a 14.
of plane iswoE cm 5
the (a),inversion,
inward.whose mirror. side mirrorconvex isThis
side is mirror light whi ch We diverge Behind
Shown protected
painby
t CoatingSilver knowna mirrr 34.
If its is of
a from
wil the beam. mirtor
6, th,
6lnox lig h S
 d its of 0,

letter
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lowcentre
Class: of24, the mir omir. r or. paroft. of which
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spherical convex concavecurvature part 24. Cu rv ature,
the Figure Figure passing of
cur fcurv atu re meanareing
sics parallel
25 mirror. mirror
from
Thewhich mirror Diagrams ItvatTheure The
Focal
so mirror. In of curvature
in of distance e Figure a used of:
aperture 24(b),
to th24(a), mirror.mirror of curvature
Centre of mirror some
a hollow
shouldcentre centre Radius
the linethrough The mirror is a to Concave of of mirror
which and con
Length a (a) Pole be the of a in
MM mirror XY The spherical M of of
XY, Cis 24(a),
pole and part. sphereshow CurvatureRadius of R M noted spherical of the new
close
a cave of is how a curvature
concave
curvature or
p a passing is the the radius in In
mirror spherical is atthe ofcalled of a convex that Curvature, studytermsconvex
the to the he its centre
centre a isP FigureFigure
mirror glass.
concave
bea a
tprincipal mirror of
such
aperture pole.
spherical the its of the mirror
is of
Concave
is reflection through of curvature a spherical mirror)
mirror of polepole. 24(b),
24(a), is mirror mirror not
as
curvature the
centre mirror isPole
and the
of
axis
curvature mirror of
In axis is a centre
int the and Principal
is e Pole
the radius part in is and
the
Mirror represented lightof ofand C
thother
of mirror
Convexbehind
of centre mirrors. works
the concave distance
distance
a curvaturerepresentedof
Figure of
mirror. ofand lies convex a
P mirror of P the Principal
it. ofcurvature, on
the Radius of
Curvature
convex isthe pole onwords,
principal actually
takes the the
In concave he
tmirror CPCP mirror (b) M 24(b), the
mirror.
of the is hollow of
IOn a
reflection by principal is is Centre of
Curvature by
hollow reflection
fact, mirror. surface C
the a represented the the can a Axis radius
spherical middle
axis the
diameter mirror and sphere be
concave lies It isCthe
radiusradius thletter
e sphere of of
The of in considered of
from to
aperture place is axis the point
outside a
mirror
MM. ve Figure glass Hollow
of
sphere centre C. curvature,light.
and
mirror mirror Spherical
which ofprincipal of mirror. In of
the its of mYstudygear
ofcalled the P of glass
the Figure We
reflecting is 24(b), a is
concave a concave the isspherical curvature
all mirror reflecting
in of pole, wil
axis called
205 the pole front
the P 24(a),whicMih rror
and now
is is
 206 by
convexprincipal concaveimage
toPrincipal mirror. by thpaper
energy e (where thsharp e e
way thpatch bythepointsimple iimage ts fromformed mirror PF between
is ofmirror. therefore, liggetting
convergesconcave ht because In
backwards at fromincident the Figure
a the the The Since theconcave concave distance concave concave focus We rays
point would point that of it of us, the
concave
the
convex axis, (or concave of the experiment will by
bydenoted is
mirror.
on principal th e these focal its The mirror a actually
reflected all 25,
a
mirror
the brightmirror towards (see the so a length the
F(as axis Focus paper) the
concave now parallel
pole focal concave
behind appears
a sun' s mirror startpapermirrorsharpest of of mirror
Figure sun point
shown mirror, convex from mirror light reflected mirror is parallel
In concentrated paper th e
sunlight describe from
surface. fromimage converges burning is on falls in as can andlength
beam in pass F
the Figure which to
focus and held (see sun.
follows. 26). mirror. the of and
principal isF frontmirror is
by mirror and is point such be the
convex dotted diverge Focal the Figure
by
paper from light on
produced
This
rays letterf.this of
through rays the
Let the of isreal the Hold how of
a formed at
us). a light of concaveprincipal
MM.
27, beam a concave because sun th e is ofthe will
paper way We reaching The concave a the has of
reflected us convex (or bright can an th e
mirror.lines) a Length 26).
If concave th e appear a concave
focus. rays, the light
produce parallel after of concentrates) rays point we thatpiece take be sun principal mirror. a
Each light at This image (see by image mirror. realfocusmirror.
so being mirror mirror th e it
burns keep light the done
a a
us is it converge focus
Now, that rays can of on
Figure concave
of concave are at In is
raybeam rays, of focus sun's image ofmirror sunlightpaper of mirror alSincea
all by so focus. (F) Since of
they
to diverge reflected
of a gives bethe this sun is the
obtained.
parallel far athe focalThefocus,Figure of
a the light initiallyConvex is received image paper. 26). performing called at the
person
appear of a ofpaper. lot a piece formed of mirror off sun
reflected point us th e in in mirror
so 25, isconcave concave The a all this
(spread is light the reflected Afront distance
rays. concave
from an ofand of such
Adjust can th e the
concave Please small length converging
Pthe a focus
is point
looking8 toreflected raysparallel Mirror on approximate on sun's paper sun This
by and
meet rays out) a a of a at An be distancedistance th e reflected
the screen is mirror mirror, mirror
is its rays hole of after
note formed in sun.the
Figure of of a pole
mirror,
(spreads
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