Use the mirror equation to deduce that:
(a) an object placed between f and 2f of a concave mirror produces a real image beyond 2f.
(b) a convex mirror always produces a virtual image independent of the location of the object.
(c) the virtual image produced by a convex mirror is always diminished in size and is located between the focus and the pole.
(d) an object placed between the pole and focus of a concave mirror produces a virtual and enlarged image.
[Note: This exercise helps you deduce algebraically properties of images that one obtains from explicit ray diagrams.]
Given:
(a) For a concave mirror, the focal length (f) is negative.
Therefore f < 0
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is
negative.
Therefore u < 0
For image distance v, we can write the lens formula as:
…(1)
The object lies between f and 2f.
2f < u < f
⇒ 1/2f < 1/u < 1/f
⇒ −1/2f < −1/u < −1/f
0 …(ii)
Using equation (1), we get:
1/2f < 1/v < 0
1/v is negative, i.e., v is negative.
1/2f < 1v
2f > v
-v > -2f
Therefore, the image lies beyond 2f.
(b) For a convex mirror, the focal length (f) is positive.
Therefore f > 0
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is
negative.
Therefore u < 0
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula:
…(3)
Using equation (2), we can conclude that:
1/v < 0
v > 0
Thus, the image is formed on the back side of the mirror.
Hence, a convex mirror always produces a virtual image, irrespective of the object distance.
(c) For a convex mirror, the focal length (f) is positive.
Therefore f > 0
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is
negative,
Therefore u < 0
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula:
⇒
But we have u < 0
Therefore 1/v > 1/f
v < f
Hence, the image formed is diminished and is located between the focus (f) and the pole.
(d) For a concave mirror, the focal length (f) is negative.
Therefore f < 0
When the object is placed on the left side of the mirror, the object distance (u) is
negative.
Therefore u < 0
It is placed between the focus (f) and the pole.
Therefore f > u > 0
1/f < 1/u < 0
1/f − 1/u < 0
For image distance v, we have the mirror formula:
Therefore 1/v < 0
v > 0
The image is formed on the right side of the mirror. Hence, it is a virtual image.
For u < 0 and v > 0, we can write:
1/u > 1/v
v > u
Magnification, m = v/u > 1
Hence, the formed image is enlarged