Concave Mirrors: Ray Diagrams
The Concave Mirror Ray Diagrams Video Tutorial demonstrates and explains how to construct ray diagrams for objects located in front of a concave mirror. Five examples are given.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How do you draw a ray diagram for an object placed at varying locations in front of a concave mirror?
Video
You can watch the video below, or click here to watch on YouTube (opens in a new tab).
To improve the effectiveness of the learning experience, The Physics Classroom has provided the following tools:
Additional and Related Learning Tools
Physics Interactives: Optics Bench - Mirrors
The Physics Interactives is our simulation section. This section provides a playful way to learn. Alter a variable, experiment with a system, and interact with the simulation in order to find out how nature works. Our Optics Bench simulation allows students to explore the reflection of light by curved mirrors and the formation of images. The object location and height and the mirror focal length can be easily altered.
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM5
Our Minds On Physics program provides an intense workout in careful reading, logical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. It's like eating broccoli - nobody likes it but you know it's good for you. Give Mission RM5 on Ray Tracing a try. It's great nutrition for your Physics brain. Use the Help link for question-specific help.
Tutorial: Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 3
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, the Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. The page titled Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors makes a good complement of this video.
Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors
Teacher Resources
Physics Interactives: Optics Bench - Mirrors
This simulation provides a playful way to learn. Alter a variable, experiment with a system, and interact with the simulation in order to find out how nature works. Our Optics Bench simulation allows students to explore the reflection of light by curved mirrors and the formation of images. The object location and height and the mirror focal length can be easily altered. The simulation comes with an activity sheet.
Curriculum Corner, Reflection and Mirrors
Our Curriculum Corner includes in excess of 200 Think Sheets on discrete topics. Each Think Sheet takes a developmental approach to a topic. The following Think Sheet provides exceptional support for this video.
Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM5
Our Minds On Physics program provides an intense workout in careful reading, logical thinking, and conceptual reasoning. It's like eating broccoli - nobody likes it but you know it's good for you. Consider Mission RM5 on Ray Tracing as a follow-up exercise to this video.
Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 3
When you need to quickly review a topic and/or freshen up on a concept, The Tutorial section of our website is your go-to place. Many teachers include these as links for students on their course management sites. The page titled Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors makes a good complement of this video.
Ray Diagrams for Concave Mirrors
Teacher Toolkits: Image Formation by Curved Mirrors
We love our Teacher Toolkits. We hope you do as well. They include a collection of links to vetted resources throughout the web that are standards-based and multi-media driven.
Lesson Notes
Download (opens in a new tab) or view below
Slides
Do you like the slides we used? They are available in our low cost Teacher Presentation Pack, along with other updated materials used in our presentation.