Convex Mirrors: Ray Diagrams and Image Characteristics

The Ray Diagrams for Convex Mirrors Video Tutorial demonstrates how to draw a ray diagram for objects located in front of convex mirrors. The characteristics of the image are described using the LOST Art of Image Description.

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?
How do you describe the image produced 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: Name That Image
This Interactive from our simulation section provides you with an object locaton along the principal axis. You must identify the corresponding image based on location, relative size, and orientation. Its great practice. It includes both convex and concave mirrors.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM8 and RM9
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 and Mission RM9 on Object-Image Relations 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 following two pages make a good complement of this video.
Ray Diagrams - Convex Mirrors
Image Characteristics for Convex Mirrors

Teacher Resources

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 Sheets provide exceptional support for this video.
Ray Diagrams for Convex Mirrors
Object-Image Relations (Concave and Convex mirros included)

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.

Physics Interactives: Name That Image
This Interactive from our simulation section provides students with an object locaton along the principal axis. You must identify the corresponding image based on location, relative size, and orientation. Its great practice. It includes both convex and concave mirrors.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM8 and RM9
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. Mission RM8 on Ray Tracing for Convex Mirrors and Mission RM9 on Object-Image Relations for Convex Mirrors make for great follow-up activities to this video.

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.