Convex Mirrors: Light Reflection and Image Formation
The Image Formation by Convex Mirrors Video Tutorial discusses how light reflects off a convex mirror and uses the "rules" of reflection to explain how an image is formed by a convex mirror.
The video lesson answers the following questions:
- How does light reflect off a convex mirror?
- How is an image formed by a convex 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. Our Optics Bench simulation allows students to explore the reflection of light by curved mirrors and the formation of images. Tap on the Mirrors button at the top of the sim and then drag the object to the convex side of the mirror. Explore and learn.
Physics Interactives: Image Formation by Convex Mirrors
This Interactive from our simulation section provides you with a virtual light box for exploring the reflection of light off convex mirrors and the manner in which such reflection leads to the formation of an image of a complex object. Tap on various points upon an object. A ray diagram is quickly constructed and the location of the image of that point is marked by a pixel on the screen. The process can be repeated for a variety of points.
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM8
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 RM8 on Ray Tracing for Convex Mirrors 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 4
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 Reflection and Image Formation for Convex Mirrors makes a good complement of this video.
Reflection and Image Formation for Convex Mirrors
Teacher Resources
Physics Interactives: Optics Bench - Mirrors
The Physics Interactives is our simulation section. Our Optics Bench simulation allows students to explore the reflection of light by curved mirrors and the formation of images. Tap on the Mirrors button at the top of the sim and then drag the object to the convex side of the mirror. Explore and learn.
Physics Interactives: Image Formation by Convex Mirrors
This Interactive from our simulation section provides you with a virtual light box for exploring the reflection of light off convex mirrors and the manner in which such reflection leads to the formation of an image of a complex object. A classroom-ready activity sheet can be downloaded and used with this activity.
Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM8
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 RM8 on Ray Tracing for Convex Mirrors 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 4 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 Reflection and Image Formation for Convex Mirrors makes a good complement of this video. Reflection and Image Formation for Convex Mirrors
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.