Peoples Physics Concepts

http://www.ck12.org Chapter 16. Light

16.6 Mirrors

• Describe how light reflects off various types of mirrors.

Students will learn how light reflects off mirrors. Flat mirrors, concave mirrors and convex mirrors are all covered.

Key Equations

1

f

=

1

do

+

1

di

; The len’s maker’s equation

Wherefis the focal length of the mirror,dois the distance of the object from the mirror anddiis the distance the

image is formed from the mirror.

M=

−di

d 0

The size of an object’s image is larger (or smaller) than the object itself by its magnification,M. The level of

magnification is proportional to the ratio ofdianddo. An image that is double the size of the object would have

magnificationM=2.

R= 2 f

The radius of curvature of a mirror is twice its focal length