Case Study: Reflection of light

Reflection of light is the process where light rays strike a surface and bounce back into the same medium, rather than passing through or being absorbed. This phenomenon allows us to see objects and is defined by light interacting with smooth, polished surfaces (like mirrors) or rough surfaces.

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Question 1

A student stands between two parallel plane mirrors facing each other. Later, one mirror is replaced by a convex mirror.

(a) Why are multiple images formed?

Reason:
Light undergoes repeated reflections between mirrors.
Each mirror forms images of images → leading to many images (ideally infinite).

(b) What happens when one mirror is replaced by a convex mirror?

Number of images decreases.

Reason:
Convex mirror forms only one image and diverges light.
So repeated reflections reduce.

Images become: virtual, erect, diminished.

(c) Mirrors at 90° → number of images?

Formula:

n = (360° / θ) - 1

n = (360 / 90) - 1 = 4 - 1 = 3 images

(d) Kaleidoscope mirror arrangement?

3 plane mirrors at 60°

Reason: Produces symmetrical patterns due to multiple reflections.

Question 2

A car engineer tested mirrors for side-view.

(a) Which mirror is best for side-view?

Convex mirror

Reason: Provides wider field of view → safer driving.

(b) Nature of image formed?

Image is:
✔ Virtual
✔ Erect
✔ Diminished

(c) Can it be used as doctor's mirror?

No

Reason: Doctors need magnified image → provided by concave mirror.

(d) Two other uses?

1. Street light reflectors
2. Safety mirrors at blind turns

Quick Revision: Plane mirrors can form multiple images due to repeated reflection. Convex mirrors give a wider field of view and form virtual, erect, diminished images. Concave mirrors are used when a magnified image is needed.

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