Image Formation by Plane Mirrors

The Plane Mirror Image Formation Video Tutorial explains what an image is and why it is formed. Using a variety of animations and diagrams, Mr. H explains the meaning of an image and details why they are formed.

The video lesson answers the following questions:

1. What is an image?
2. How and why is an image formed by a plane 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: Plane Mirror Image Formation
The Physics Interactives is our simulation section. Change a variable and observe a result. Learn by playing. If that sounds appealing, then check out this activity on Plane Mirror Images.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors module, Mission RM
A Minds On Physics mission is an interactive questioning module that will make you read carefully, think deeply, and know your concepts. None of this is popular. All of it works. Give Mission RM2 a try in order to sharpen your understanding.

Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2
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. Our page on Why is an Image Formed? complements this video lesson very well.
Why is an Image Formed?

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 one on Image Formation and Characteristics would make a great in-class follow up for this video. Combine it with a MOP mission and you will have a great lesson.

Physics Interactives, Reflection and Refraction, Image Formation by Plane Mirrors
You must check out this 2-part combination tutorial/simulation on the topic of Plane Mirror Images. You'll be amazedat how powerfully it explains both the law of reflection and the formation of images. Use it in class. And check off student completion using our Star system.

Minds On Physics, Reflection and Mirrors Module, Mission RM2
Minds On Physics has always been a tool that trains students to read closely, think deeply, and reason conceptually. This mission on Plane Mirror Images will do all that and more. Give it a try.

Tutorial on Reflection and the Ray Model of Light, Lesson 2
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. This page is the written version of our video tutorial.
Why is an Image Formed?

Teacher Toolkits: Plane 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.