Segment L: Spherical Mirrors
Segment L: Spherical Mirrors
The properties of spherical mirrors are discussed as we learn such terms as center of curvature, focal point, and principal axis. The properties of images formed by concave and convex mirrors are examined through ray diagrams.
Science
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information about the properties and applications of waves.
Plan and carry out investigations to characterize the properties and behavior of electromagnetic waves.
Plan and carry out investigations to describe common features of light in terms of color, polarization, spectral composition, and wave speed in transparent media.
- Analyze experimentally and mathematically aspects of reflection and refraction of light waves and describe the results using optical ray diagrams.
- Perform calculations related to reflections from plane surfaces and focusing using thin lenses.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the properties of waves.
Develop models based on experimental evidence that illustrate the phenomena of reflection, refraction, interference, and diffraction.
Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to support the claim that electromagnetic (light) waves behave differently than mechanical (sound) waves.
Develop and use a model to compare and contrast how light and sound waves are reflected, refracted, absorbed, diffracted or transmitted through various materials.
-Apply the law of reflection to curved surfaces.
-Compare and contrast convex and concave mirrors conceptually and mathematically understanding and applying their similarities and differences.
-Compare and contrast real and virtual images.
-Describe the types of images that form for convex and concave mirrors when objects are beyond the center of curvature, at the center of curvature, between the center of curvature and the focal point, at the focal point, and between the focal point and the mirror.
-Define and apply the terms principal axis, focal length, and radius of curvature, conceptually and mathematically.
-Discover uses for convex and concave mirrors in real life.
center of curvature (C) - the point in the center of the imaginary sphere from which the mirror is cut.
concave mirror - a converging mirror that focuses light inward from the surface of a mirror.
convex mirror - a diverging mirror that focuses light outward from the surface of a mirror.
focal length (f) - the distance from the center of a mirror to the focal point.
focal point (F) - the point in space where parallel light rays meet after bouncing off a mirror.
principle axis - the horizontal line that connects the center of the spherical mirror with the center of the sphere of which the mirror is part.
radius of curvature (R) - the distance from the center of a mirror to the center of curvature.
real image - an image formed when light rays converge in real space.
law of reflection - this law states that the angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence of a light wave that bounces off a surface.
virtual image - an image that appears when light rays converge behind a mirror.
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