Learning Objectives:

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

1. Define and identify curved mirrors.

2. Understand the reflection of light from curved surfaces.

3. Use ray diagrams to locate images.

4. Distinguish between concave and convex mirrors.

5. Identify real vs virtual images.

6. Apply the knowledge to everyday uses.

🔍 1. Types of Curved Mirrors

Curved mirrors are spherical mirrors — they are part of a sphere.

🔄 2. Key Terms in Curved Mirrors

Focal length is always:

$$f = \frac{r}{2}$$

🔁 3. Ray Diagrams for Curved Mirrors

To locate images, use these three principal rays:

For Concave Mirror:

1. Parallel ray → reflects through focal point

2. Ray through focal point → reflects parallel

3. Ray through center of curvature → reflects back on itself

For Convex Mirror:

1. Parallel ray → reflects as if from focal point behind mirror

2. Ray aimed at center of curvature → reflects back on itself

3. Ray aimed at focal point → reflects parallel

🖼️ 4. Image Formed by Curved Mirrors

📌 5. Real vs Virtual Images

🛠️ 6. Applications of Curved Mirrors