Applications of Spherical Mirrors

• A convex mirror is used as a rear view mirror in vehicles as images are small, erect. This gives us a wider view of the traffic behind.

• Convex mirrors are also used in reflecting telescopes.

• They are also used as reflectors in street lamps, as a result the light from the lamp diverge over a large area.

• A concave mirror is used as a reflector in search light, head light of motor vehicles, telescopes, solar cookers, shaving mirrors.

• Concave mirror is used in ophthalmoscope, for reflecting light on to the retina of the eye.

Multiple Images

When an object is kept between two plane mirrors inclined at an angle q, more than one image forms.

The total number of images formed in such a case can be related to the angle as follows :

Question

If q = 90^o, find out the number of images formed

= 4 - 1 = 3

Three images will be formed.