Images in Plane

Mirrors
Why do we see images in a mirror?
 What is an image?
⦿ When you see an object reflected in a mirror,
you do not see the object itself
› Instead, you see an IMAGE of the object

Image: a picture of an object produced by

light

⦿ An image forms when light rays from an

object meet (or appear to meet) again
› a MIRROR can do this!
 Characteristics of an Image

⦿ All images have 4 characteristics that we

use to describe them:

1. Size
2. Attitude Remember
3. Location SALT !!
4. Type
 S: Size

⦿ Is the image:
› Larger
› Smaller
› Same size

e.g. Larger Smaller Same

Original
object
 A: Attitude

⦿ Is the image:
› Upright
› Upside down

e.g. Upright Upside down

Original
object
 L: Location

⦿ Where is the image and how far:

› In front of the mirror
› Behind the mirror

e.g. In front Mirror Behind

Original
object distance=?
 T: Type
⦿ Is the image:
› Virtual – light rays only appear to meet (usually
behind mirror)
› Real – light rays actually meet (in front of the mirror)
and image can be picked up on a screen

e.g. Virtual Real

Original
object
 Seeing Images in Plane Mirrors
⦿ An image in a plane mirror is
always a VIRTUAL image
because:
› The incident (incoming) rays of
the object hit the surface of
the mirror and are reflected
back to the observer
› Reflected rays enter the
observer’s eyes and forms an
image on the retina at the EYE
back of their eye Retina

› The brain interprets the image Object

as behind the mirror
Nerves to brain
Locating Images in Plane Mirrors

1. Pick the key points of the object.

2. Next, draw straight lines from these points

to the mirror.

3. Then, measure and extend the lines the

same distance into the mirror.

4. Finally, draw the image (use dashed lines).

Example #1
Characteristics
S: same size
2 cm 2 cm A: upright
L: behind mirror
T: virtual

1.3 cm 1.3 cm

Object Image
Example #2
Characteristics
S: same size
2 cm 2 cm A: upright
L: behind mirror
T: virtual

3.2 cm 3.2 cm

Object Image
Example #3
Characteristics
S: same size
1.3 cm 1.3 cm A: upright
L: behind mirror
T: virtual

0.5 cm 0.5 cm

Object Image
 Summary

⦿ Images in plane mirror are always:

› Same size
› Upright
› Behind the mirror
› Virtual
HOMEWORK:

✔ Complete Images in Plane

Mirrors Practice
worksheet

✔ Do Q: #1, 4 (pg. 471 in text)