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A spherical mirror is a unique type of mirror in that it has a round edge. This type of mirror is often used in photography because it gives a more flattering view. Spherical mirrors are often used in architectural and engineering applications because they are less reflective than traditional mirrors and allow a broader range of light.
Spherical mirrors have some other benefits, such as being less expensive to manufacture than different types of mirrors. In addition, they can be made from various materials, including plastic and glass. They are also easier to clean and more resistant to damage.
Terminologies
When discussing spherical mirrors, you may come across some terms, and it can be challenging to understand which one is referring to what. This guide will break down the most commonly used words and explain their meanings.
Focal length
The focal length of a spherical mirror is the distance from the mirror’s centre to the point where light reflects the observer.
What determines the focal length of a spherical mirror?
The focal length is determined by the mirror’s diameter and the distance between the mirror and the reflected object. It is the distance from the mirror’s surface to the point of focus.
Aperture
The aperture of a spherical mirror is the opening at the front of the mirror that allows light to enter and reflect off the mirror.
Diameter
The diameter of a spherical mirror is the maximum distance from the centre of the mirror to the edge of the mirror.
Reflection
Reflection occurs when light enters a spherical mirror and is redirected to the observer.
Concave mirror
These mirrors have a curved surface that reflects the image outward.
A concave mirror is a mirror that has its surface curved inward, typically by a tube or a sheet of metal. The curvature of the mirror produces an image that is closer to the eye than an image made by a regular mirror. Concave mirrors are used in optical devices, such as telescopes and microscopes, to improve the resolution of the picture.
Characteristics of a concave mirror
- A concave mirror reflects objects in a direction opposite to the curvature of the mirror.
- This is because the surface of the mirror has a negative curvature.
- On the other hand, a convex mirror reflects objects in a direction along the curvature of the mirror.
Convex mirror
A convex mirror is a mirror that has a curved surface. When viewed from a certain angle, the mirror appears to be concave, and when viewed from another angle, it seems to be convex. This is because when light travels from one side of the mirror to the other, it is bent because of the curve in the mirror.
A convex mirror is a mirror that has a uniform focal point or a point at which all rays entering the mirror are focused. This type of mirror is often used in photography as it produces a clear image that is free of distortions.
Characteristics of a convex mirror
A convex mirror is a mirror that has the property that every point on its surface sees the same image.
- The image is always in the centre of the mirror.
- This property is called the focal point, and it is unique to a convex mirror.
- A convex mirror can be used to make an image of an object located behind it.
What is the focal length of a spherical mirror?
A spherical mirror has a focal length that is the distance from the mirror’s centre to the point where all light rays converge on the mirror focus. This distance is called the “mirror’s focal point”.
The focal length of a spherical mirror is the distance from the mirror’s centre to the point where all rays coming from that point are parallel. It is essential to keep in mind that the focal length changes depending on the angle of incidence. So, it is necessary to measure the focal length before using it.
A spherical mirror focuses light in a single direction instead of a parabolic mirror, which focuses the light in a curved pattern.
Conclusion
Till now, you must have understood what spherical mirrors are. A spherical mirror is made up of concentric circles designed to reflect the image of an object outward. Each circle is called a facet, and the distance between each part is called the focal length. The closer the things are to the mirror, the more circles will need to reflect the image correctly.
The focal length is measured in millimetres and is the distance from the lens to the focal point of an image. This focal point is where all the light energy from the object is focused and projected onto the sensor.
Boundary Layer Phenomenon
Suppose if fluid flows on the flat plate, then due to the no-slip condition, the velocity of the fluid at the edge or lowermost layer will become zero. Due to high viscosity, the upper layers will also move with lower velocities. And the velocity gradually decreases as the height of the fluid increases over the plate. Due to this, at lower velocity and high viscosity at the bottom, the fluid will flow in a streamline, or the fluid flow will be laminar. Still, as the uppermost layers have minimum viscosity and the velocity is also high, the transition of the fluid takes place from laminar to turbulent.
Reynold’s number for flat plate
The value of Reynold’s number for the fluid flowing on a flat plate will be R= 5 X 105 the value of Reynold’s number is lower than 5 X 105, then the flow will be laminar, and if the value of Reynold’s number is greater than 5 X 105 so the flow will be turbulent.
Reynold’s number for Circular pipe
In a circular pipe, the value of Reynold’s number varies from 2300 to 2900. If the value of Reynold’s number is greater than 2900, then it will be a turbulent flow. If the value of Reynold’s number is less than 2300, it will be a laminar flow.
Conclusion
Here we learned about the behaviour of the fluid, whether it is a laminar flow or a turbulent flow, by knowing the values of Reynold’s number of the fluid. If the value of Reynold’s number is higher, then there will be a turbulent flow. If it is lower, then there will be laminar flow.
