Now we will examine the reflection of light from this type of mirrors and image formation in convex mirrors. Let’s start with the reflection of light with special examples. In convex mirrors, ray coming parallel to the principal axis goes after reflection as if it comes from the focal point of the mirror.

After reflection, the light rays diverge; subsequently they will never intersect on the object side of the mirror. For this reason, convex mirrors produce virtual images that are located somewhere behind the mirror. Throughout this unit on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, the definition of an image has been given.

When an object is positioned between infinity and the pole of a convex mirror, we observe the formation of an image using two specific rays. One ray is parallel to the principal axis, and the other is directed towards the center of curvature of the mirror.

Flat mirrors create virtual, same-size images through specular reflection. Concave mirrors focus light rays, producing either real or virtual images depending on the object’s position. Convex mirrors cause light to diverge, always forming a virtual, smaller image.