Question

Write the rules used for drawing ray diagrams for the formation of an image by a concave mirror.

Answer 1

In this question, we will discuss the rules required to draw the ray diagram for the image formed by a concave mirror. These rules mention the path traced by the reflected ray after reflection in case of light passing through the center of curvature and also for some other cases.

Complete step by step answer:
There are two main types of mirrors: Curved mirror and plane mirror. Plane mirror is again of two types; concave mirrors and convex mirrors. In case of concave mirrors, real images are formed and in other cases virtual images are formed.
The rules used for drawing ray diagrams for the formation of an image by a concave mirror is given below:
An incident ray parallel to the principal axis of the concave mirror, passes through the principal focus of the mirror.
Light rays passing through the center of the curvature of the concave mirror are reflected back along the same path.
Light rays passing through the focus of the concave mirror become parallel to the principal axis of the mirror after reflection.
A ray oblique at the poles is reflected in oblique manner due to laws of reflection.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Additional Information:
By changing the position of the object, different types of images can be obtained. These images are formed when the object is placed at infinity, beyond the center of curvature, at the center of curvature, between the center of curvature and principal focus, at the principal focus and between the principal focus and pole.

Note:
The above-mentioned rules are to be kept in mind when ray diagrams are to be drawn. Remember that the image formed by a concave mirror is always real and on the same side of the mirror as the object. On the other hand, in case of convex mirrors, the image is formed on the opposite side as that of the object.