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Plane mirrors

In this article we will learn about plane mirrors, applications of it, image creation properties of it and more. Here we also discuss some important questions.

When a ray of light strikes a surface, it can have one of three effects: reflection, refraction, or absorption. When it hits a regular surface, the majority of the light is absorbed. As a result, mirrors are polished surfaces covered with mercury that reflect the majority of the light that falls on them. We may now classify mirrors as concave, convex, or flat mirrors based on the type of reflecting surface. Only the plane mirror will be discussed here. As a result, at least two rays from the object must contact or appear to meet at a place in order to generate an image.          

What is a plane mirror, and what is the definition of a plane mirror?

In our daily life, plane mirrors are fairly frequent. Even if the average person is unfamiliar with this scientific term, they may simply connect it to conventional mirrors polished with mercury on one side to reflect light landing on them. A mirror with a flat surface and no inward or outward curve is known as a plane mirror. They may easily refract, reflect, or absorb light in a number of directions. In-plane mirrors require at least two beams to construct a picture of the object based on the endpoints of the two light rays taken. A variety of materials and techniques can be used to polish the planar mirror.    

Virtual Image vs. Real Image

A real image is one that is created when a ray of light emerges from an object and then converges to a specific point, either by reflection or refraction. The true image can be captured on screen since it is the consequence of the actual intersection of light rays. A converging (convex) lens and a concave mirror can produce the real picture, which is always reversed.   

A virtual image is one that is created when a ray of light emitted by an object appears to strike at a certain location. The virtual image can never be captured on a screen since it is a hypothetical intersection of the ray of light. A divergent (concave) lens, a convex mirror, and a plane mirror can all be used to create an erect virtual picture.    

As a result, we can assume that a true image has been caught on the screen and appears to be on the same side as the object. A virtual picture, on the other hand, can never be captured or obtained on a screen and appears on the mirror’s opposite side.

Image generated by a Plane Mirror: Characteristics and Features

The following are some of the unique traits and qualities of a plane mirror that match to the image it creates:

 A virtual picture is always formed by a flat mirror. When light beams from a source do not cross or meet at a spot to form an image, a virtual picture is created.

 A plane mirror always forms or produces an image that is the same size as the item. The magnification of an image produced by a flat mirror is always ‘1.’ The distance between the object and the mirror is also the same as the distance between the image and the mirror. Furthermore, the image generated is similarly upright.  Another distinguishing feature of a plane mirror picture is that it is laterally reversed, meaning that if you raise your left hand, it will look in the plane mirror as if you have raised your right hand.

An image created by a flat mirror has certain properties.

The image obtained is a virtual one.

The image has been inverted laterally.

The image is in a straight line.

The image and the item are the same size.

The distance between the object and the mirror is the same as the distance between the image and the item.    

Reflection Laws are a set of rules that govern how we think about things.

The following are the two laws of reflection:

 –>The incidence angle and the reflection angle are always the same.

–>The incident ray, the point’s normal, and the reflected ray are all in the same plane.

Plane Mirrors: Applications and Uses

Without a doubt, the invention of mirrors is the most significant contribution to humanity. For a number of reasons, almost everyone else uses mirrors in their daily lives. We also know that plane mirrors are primarily utilized to see an object’s reflection. Periscopes and kaleidoscopes, vehicles, shaving mirrors, dentists’ mirrors, torch lights, solar cookers, and security-related applications are all examples of plane mirrors. 

Automobiles use plane mirrors.

Vehicles commonly used mirrors in their headlights to reflect powerful parallel light beams. Furthermore, the rearview mirror is the most common application of a convex mirror in automobiles since it always generates an upright picture and provides a broader field of view due to its outward curvature.

Torchlights use plane mirrors.

Plane mirrors are commonly used in flashlights and torchlights to reflect light beams, and they are also employed in overhead projectors for the same purpose. Plane mirrors in torchlights can be utilized for finding or looking for things at night and in dark regions with such purposes and applications.

Shaving Mirrors Made of Plane Mirrors

When we first get up in the morning, we brush our teeth, shave, apply cosmetics, and so on. It would have been incredibly difficult for us to manage such situations without the mirrors. Concave mirrors are also utilized as shaving mirrors because they provide a broader view or image of the face.

 Dentists make use of plane mirrors.

Dentists frequently utilize mirrors during procedures to examine and see the images of teeth. In microscopes, plane mirrors are used exclusively to reflect the picture of the object being watched.

 Plane mirrors are employed in the security and safety industry.

Bombs are frequently located beneath automobiles using plane mirrors. They’re also utilized to keep an eye on customers and prevent robberies at shops and stores. Even on busy routes with blind corners, mirrors are used to see vehicles approaching from the opposite direction.

Conclusion

When a ray of light strikes a surface, it can have one of three effects: reflection, refraction, or absorption. When it hits a regular surface, the majority of the light is absorbed. A virtual image is one that is created when a ray of light emitted by an object appears to strike at a certain location.

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Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the NEET UG Examination Preparation.

What is the definition of a planar mirror?

Answer:- The reflected surface of a plane mirror is flat. For light beams impacting the plane mirror, the ang...Read full

Can you tell the difference between a genuine and a virtual image?

Answer:- The virtual images reflected by a plane mirror are not the same as the simulated digital graphics yo...Read full

What are the differences between convex and concave mirrors?

Answer:- Unlike plane mirrors, convex and concave mirrors bend the light rays that hit them. The virtual imag...Read full

What kind of mirrors do we have in our house?

Answer:- Plane mirrors are simply mirrors with no curvature and are flat. Because they are ubiquitous, the av...Read full