When drawing a ray trace, the idea is to pick several rays coming from the tip o

Question

When drawing a ray trace, the idea is to pick several rays coming from the tip of the object that are fairly easy to trace. For example, with a concave (or converging) mirror, rays that are parallel to the principal axis will reflect from the mirror and pass through the focal point. This can also be reversed - rays that pass through or seem to come from the focal point will reflect off the mirror and bounce back parallel to the axis. See the book for examples of the rays used for ray traces.
In each of the following situations, identify the direction of the reflected ray. The focal points are labeled F. The center of curvature is labeled C.
Below is a converging or concave mirror with 5 rays labeled.

Ray W which is coming in parallel to the principle axis will reflect from the mirror along ray: ?

Ray Y which is coming in as if it is coming from the Focal Point will reflect from the mirror along ray: ?

Ray V which is coming in as if it is coming from the Center of Curvature will reflect from the mirror along ray

Below is a diverging or convex mirror with 5 rays labeled.

Ray Y which is coming in parallel to the principle axis will reflect from the mirror along ray: ?

Ray W which is coming in as if it heading toward the Focal Point will reflect from the mirror along ray: ?

Ray X which is coming in as if it is heading toward the Center of Curvature will reflect from the mirror along ray ?

Explanation / Answer

Concave mirror:

1) Ray W which is coming in parallel to the principle axis will reflect from the mirror along ray Y, the focal point in the path

2) Ray Y which is coming in as if it is coming from the Focal Point will reflect from the mirror along ray W, the focal point in the path.

3) Ray V which is coming in as if it is coming from the Center of Curvature will reflect from the mirror along ray Z, along the radius of curvature

b)

Convex mirror

1) Ray Y which is coming in parallel to the principle axis will reflect from the mirror along ray W, line joining the focal point

2) Ray W which is coming in as if it heading toward the Focal Point will reflect from the mirror along ray Y

3) Ray X which is coming in as if it is heading toward the Center of Curvature will reflect from the mirror along ray X (reflect in the same direction)

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse W
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.