Characteristics of image formed in plane mirror

It is known that when light falls on a smooth and polished surface, like that of a mirror, it undergoes a regular reflection to produce a sharp and clear image of the object lying in front of it.

In the case of plane mirrors, the image is said to be a virtual image. Virtual images are images that are formed in locations where light does not actually reach. Light does not actually pass through the location on the other side of the mirror; it only appears to an observer as though the light is coming from this location. Whenever a mirror whether a plane mirror or otherwise creates an image that is virtual, it will be located behind the mirror where light does not really come from. Later in this unit , we will study instances in which real images are formed by curved mirrors. Such images are formed on the same side of the mirror as the object and light passes through the actual image location. Besides the fact that plane mirror images are virtual, there are several other characteristics that are worth noting.

Characteristics of image formed in plane mirror

When a ray of light falls on a surface, then it can undergo one of the following three phenomena reflection, refraction, or absorption. When it falls on a normal surface then most of the light gets absorbed. So mirrors are polished surfaces coated with mercury such that they reflect most of the light falling on them. Now based on the type of reflecting surface we can classify mirrors as concave, convex, or plane mirrors. Here we will be talking about the plane mirror only. So to form an image we require at least two rays from the object which meet or appear to meet at a point. In the case of a plane mirror, here we have used three rays for better clarity in the ray diagram shown below. For the ray starting from point A and travelling in a horizontal direction towards point E, the angle of incidence is 0, and hence it retraces its path. Similarly, the ray starting from A and travelling towards point C follows the law of reflection. When these rays are produced backwards, they appear to meet at a point E.

In one second, the toddler has moved towards the mirror by a distance of 0. When these rays are produced backwards, they appear to meet at a point E.

Explore the fascinating world of physics with a deep dive into the image formed by a plane mirror. This comprehensive guide unlocks the basic principles and properties of image formation, imparting a clear understanding of the physics behind it. From reflection principles to analysing optical behaviour, you'll get a wholesome picture of how plane mirrors contribute to image formation. It doesn't stop there; the guide also incorporates practical applications, offering everyday examples and detailing scientific technological uses of plane mirror image formation. Ignite your curiosity and expand your knowledge in this crucial aspect of physics. Explore our app and discover over 50 million learning materials for free.

When a ray of light falls on a surface, then it can undergo one of the following three phenomena reflection, refraction, or absorption. When it falls on a normal surface then most of the light gets absorbed. So mirrors are polished surfaces coated with mercury such that they reflect most of the light falling on them. Now based on the type of reflecting surface we can classify mirrors as concave, convex, or plane mirrors. Here we will be talking about the plane mirror only. So to form an image we require at least two rays from the object which meet or appear to meet at a point.

Characteristics of image formed in plane mirror

You only have to look as far as the nearest bathroom to find an example of an image formed by a mirror. Images in a plane mirror are the same size as the object, are located behind the mirror, and are oriented in the same direction as the object i. Note that we use the law of reflection to construct the reflected rays.

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The incident ray, the normal at the point, and the reflected ray, all lie on the same plane. For plane mirrors, the object distance often represented by the symbol d o is equal to the image distance often represented by the symbol d i. The light rays from you strike the water and reflect, seeming to come from a point beneath the water surface — thus, forming your 'virtual' image. Plane Mirror and Properties Key Concepts Characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror Lateral inversion Virtual and real images Ray diagram of the image formation by a plane mirror Introduction It is known that when light falls on a smooth and polished surface, like that of a mirror, it undergoes a regular reflection to produce a sharp and clear image of the object lying in front of it. Good job! It means if you raise your left hand it would appear in the plane mirror that you have raised your right hand. Let's suppose for a moment that we could print the name of your favorite school subject on your shirt and have you look in the mirror. The different colors you see are electromagnetic waves […]. A perfect summary so you can easily remember everything. So to form an image we require at least two rays from the object which meet or appear to meet at a point.

We only have to look as far as the nearest bathroom to find an example of an image formed by a mirror. Images in flat mirrors are the same size as the object and are located behind the mirror. Like lenses, mirrors can form a variety of images.

Are you sure you want to logout? Similarly, the angle of reflection is the angle between the reflected ray and the normal line at the same point. When these rays are produced backwards, they appear to meet at a point E. The ratio of the image dimensions to the object dimensions is termed the magnification. In the case of a plane mirror, the image is formed by the reflection of light rays. A plane mirror plays a crucial role in various everyday applications like the mirrors used in bathrooms and bedrooms and rear-view and side mirrors in cars, as well as scientific and technological applications like in dental mirrors, optical benches, periscopes, holography, telescopes, microscopes, laser technology, and teleprompters. Save explanations to your personalised space and access them anytime, anywhere! What is a virtual image in the context of a plane mirror? Examples Of Newton's 1 Law. Basic Principles of Image Formation by Plane Mirror When you look into a plane mirror, you see a reflection of yourself. Each point on the water's surface acts like a tiny mirror. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The image is said to be upright , as opposed to inverted. Watch the video and revise all the important concepts in the chapter Light Reflection and Refraction Class