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Ray Optics Diagrams for Both Mirrors

In this article, we will learn how to draw ray optics diagrams for both the mirrors and their importance.

Below is the written description of how to draw ray diagrams of both mirrors and for a concave mirror. It is a method that can be used to make a ray diagram for an object or a thing that is placed ahead of a concave mirror that is in a curvature shape (C). The same method can also be used to draw a ray diagram for any given object or place. 

Ray Optics Diagram Method: Step-by-Step

Draw Two Incident Rays Travelling Towards The Mirror From A Point On The Top Of The Object.

Draw one ray with a straight line so that it passes through the focal point exactly on its route towards the glass mirror. Now draw another, the 2nd ray, in such a way that it runs parallel to the principal axis. Locate the head of arrows on the rays to show which way they’re going.

Start by using a straightedge and accurately drawing a single ray so that it passes through the given focal point on the way to the mirror. Start drawing the 2nd ray in a way that it reaches through aligned with the principal axis. Now place arrowheads on the rays to show the direction of the ray’s entire travel journey. 

Reflect The Given Incident Ray Diagrams Of Both Mirrors Using The Two Concave Mirror Reflection Rules Once They Hit The Mirror.

Now mark a point on top above the object and start drawing two incident rays that will travel to reach the mirror. After that, draw a single accurate ray with the help of a straight edge so that it travels through exactly to the focal point near to the mirror. After which, draw the second ray for it to pass and travel parallel to the given principal axis. After that, place an arrowhead above the ray to show the travel direction journey.

Make A Mark On The Image Of The Object’s Top

The intersection of the two reflected rays is the image point of the object’s top. The third ray diagrams of both mirrors that reflected would also pass through the given point if you drew a third pair of incident and reflected rays. This is simply the point at which all light from the object’s top intersects when it reflects off the mirror. Of course, the rest of the object has an image as well, which can be found by repeating the same three steps on a different part of the object. (For more information, see the note below.)

Repeat The Process For The Object’s Bottom

The purpose of creating ray diagrams of both mirrors is to figure out where the concave mirror forms the image, as well as its size, orientation, and type. In most cases, this entails locating the image of the object’s upper and lower extremes and then tracing the entire image. Only the image location of the object’s top extreme has been found after the first three steps have been completed. 

The process for the object’s bottom point must be repeated. The image of this point will be parallel to the principal axis and will be the same distance from the mirror as the image of the top of the object if the bottom of the object is parallel to the principal axis (as in this example). You can now finish filling in the rest of the image.

Diagram of a Ray for an Object at the Focal Point

When an object is more than one focal length from a concave mirror, a real image is formed, and when an object is minus one focal length less than one focal length from a concave mirror, an image that is virtual will form in front of you, as shown by ray diagrams (i.e., in front of F). What happens, however, considering if the given object is at F? What kind of image is created when an object is one focal length to be exactly away in the aspect of a concave mirror? A ray diagram of both mirrors is one tool that can be used to help find the answer to such a question.

However, when a ray diagram is being used for this case, a problem immediately arises. The incident ray from the top extremity of the object that goes via the focal point does not collide with the mirror. An oblique incidence ray must be used to determine the point of intersection of all reflected rays. It will work as long as the event light ray hits the mirror. Keep in mind that we only used the two we had as they were convenient and simple to draw.

Conclusion  

The image location is defined as the point throughout space when light appears to deviate from these essential pillars. Ray diagrams have proven to be a useful tool for determining the path of light from an object to a mirror and finally to our eyes.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NDA Examination Preparation.

What role do the ray diagrams of both mirrors play in mirror research?

Ans :The image location is defined as the point in space where light appears to diverge from these ...Read full

Why is it necessary to use ray diagrams of both mirrors to describe and locate the images formed by lenses?

Ans : A replica or likeness of the object is created at this...Read full

In ray diagrams, what are the most common rays?

Ans: The rays are separated into three groups. The first principal ray is formed when light strikes the principal axis in a straight line and exits...Read full

Which rays in the ray diagrams of both mirrors should be used to create an image of an object in front of a convex mirror?

Ans. Any incident ray travelling parallel to the principal axis will reflect in such a way that its extension will p...Read full