Reflections of light rays by spherical mirror Class 10th NCERT solutions

 Definations of spherical mirror and types of mirrors

There are two types of spherical mirrors:

Concave Mirror: A concave mirror is a spherical mirror where the reflecting surface curves inward, towards the center of the sphere. When light rays parallel to the mirror's axis strike a concave mirror, they converge to a point known as the focal point. The focal length is the distance between the center of the mirror and the focal point. Concave mirrors are used in telescopes, microscopes, and headlights

Convex Mirror: A convex mirror is a spherical mirror where the reflecting surface curves outward, away from the center of the sphere. When light rays parallel to the mirror's axis strike a convex mirror, they diverge. Convex mirrors are used in rear-view mirrors in cars, security mirrors, and surveillance cameras. The focal point of a convex mirror is behind the mirror, and the focal length is negative.
Some important definations:-
Principal Axis: The principal axis of a spherical mirror is the straight line passing through the center of curvature and the center of the mirror. This line is perpendicular to the mirror's surface at the center.

Focal Length: The focal length of a spherical mirror is the distance between the mirror's center and its focal point. The focal point is the point on the principal axis where all parallel rays of light converge after reflection (for a concave mirror) or appear to diverge from (for a convex mirror).

Center of Curvature: The center of curvature of a spherical mirror is the center of the sphere from which the mirror is cut. It is located along the principal axis and is twice the focal length away from the mirror's center.

Radius of Curvature: The radius of curvature of a spherical mirror is the radius of the sphere from which the mirror is cut. It is twice the focal length of the mirror.

Pole: The pole of a spherical mirror is the point on the mirror's surface where the principal axis intersects the mirror. It is located at the center of the mirror for a symmetrical mirror

Uses of Concave Mirror:

Reflecting Telescopes: The concave mirror is used in reflecting telescopes to focus and reflect light from distant objects.

Headlights: The concave mirror is used in headlights of cars and other vehicles to focus and direct the light beam.

Makeup Mirrors: The concave mirror is used in makeup mirrors to magnify the reflection of the face.

Dentist Mirrors: The concave mirror is used in dental clinics to magnify and provide a clear view of the patient's teeth.

Solar Furnaces: The concave mirror is used in solar furnaces to concentrate sunlight to produce high temperatures for various industrial applications.

Uses of Convex Mirror:

Rearview Mirrors: The convex mirror is used in rearview mirrors of cars and other vehicles to provide a wide-angle view of the traffic behind.

Security Mirrors: The convex mirror is used in security mirrors in stores and public places to provide a wider view of the surrounding area.

Decorative Mirrors: The convex mirror is used as decorative mirrors in homes, hotels, and other public places.

Safety Mirrors: The convex mirror is used as safety mirrors in blind spots and sharp corners of roads to prevent accidents.

Magnifying Glasses: The convex mirror is used in magnifying glasses to magnify small objects for close inspection.