Refer to the diagram for clear visualization. For the measurement of all the distances, the optical center of the lens is considered. Following is the table explaining concepts related to mirror: Here are some examples of spherical mirror formula problems: 1) A lens having a focal distance of 30 cm is placed in front of an object, which is located at 1 m from it. Distances measured along the direction of the incident ray are positive. Convex Mirrors. We can see the sign convention in both Lens Some points to note Focal length of Convex Lens is positive Focal length of Concave Lens is negative Since object is always in front of the lens, object distance is always negative If a real image is formed, image is formed on right side, so image distance is positive 2) A lens forms an image at 25 cm from it, where the real object is placed at 1 m. What are the focal length of the lens and its curvature radius? Stay tuned with BYJU’S for more such interesting articles. Sign convention in the case of a convex mirror: Since, object is always placed in front of the mirror hence the sign of object is taken as negative. The magnification image formed by a spherical mirror is given by the height of image divided by the height of the object. 5 Comments. CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Science, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry, CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Physics, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Chemistry, ICSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10 Maths, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Physics, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Chemistry, ISC Previous Year Question Papers Class 12 Biology. Contents. The distances measured in the direction of incident rays are positive and all the distances measured in the direction opposite to that of the incident rays are negative. For example; the distance of object is always taken as – (negative) in case of both types of spherical mirror, i.e. https://www.khanacademy.org/.../v/sign-conventions-for-mirror-lenses Mirror Equation for concave mirror and Mirror Equation for a convex mirror. In the case of a convex mirror, always an erect image is formed, thus the height of image is taken as positive. New Cartesian Sign Convention is used to avoid confusion in understanding the ray directions. To obtain exact information about the size and magnification of the image, and the distance of the image from the spherical mirror, we can use the mirror formula. The figure below shows a concave mirror, but the same applies for a convex mirror as well. The radius of curvature of a convex mirror used for rearview on a car is 4.00 m. The mirror equation $$\frac{1}{v}+\frac{1}{u}=\frac{1}{f}$$ holds good for concave mirrors as well as convex mirrors. We can see the sign convention in both mirrors Some points to note Since focus of concave mirror is on the left side (in front of the mirror) , Focal length of concave mirror is negative Since focus of convex mirror is on the right side (behind the mirror), Focal length of convex mirror is positive As such, using ray diagrams, it is possible to determine the type of image formed, while using concave and convex mirrors, based on the distance of the object from the mirror. In this convention, the pole (P) of the mirror is taken as the origin. Distances measured below the principal axis are negative. Sign convention is a set of rules to set signs for image distance, object distance, focal length, etc for mathematical analysis of image formation. All distances measured above the principal axis are positive. The distance measured opposite the direction of … Distances measured along the direction of the incident ray are positive. Also called diverging mirrors, are spherical mirrors … Copyright Notice © 2020 Greycells18 Media Limited and its licensors. The sign conventions for the given quantities in the mirror equation and magnification equations are as follows: f is + if the mirror is a concave mirror f is - if the mirror is a convex mirror d i is + if the image is a real image and located on the object's side of the mirror. Since, the centre of curvature and focus lies behind the convex mirror, so sign of radius of curvature and focal length are taken as + (positive) in the case of convex mirror. Since, the centre of curvature and focus lie in front of the concave mirror, so signs of radius of curvature and focal length are taken as negative in the case of concave mirror. Sign Convention for Spherical Mirrors (Concave and Convex Mirrors) Distances are to be measured from the pole (vertex) of the mirror marked by point V in the figure. Since, the centre of curvature and focus lies behind the convex mirror, so sign of radius of curvature and focal length are taken as + (positive) in the case of convex mirror. Distances are to be measured from the pole (vertex) of the mirror marked by point V in the figure. Want a call from us give your mobile number below, For any content/service related issues please contact on this number. All distances on the principal axis are measured from the optical center. 2.1 Spherical Mirror Formula: 3 Sign Convention & Linear Magnification. Queries asked on Sunday & after 7pm from Monday to Saturday will be answered after 12pm the next working day. This means sign is always taken as – (negative) in front of a spherical mirror. d i is - if the image is a virtual image and located behind the mirror. Also, register to “BYJU’S – The Learning App” for loads of interactive, engaging Physics-related videos and an unlimited academic assist. In the case of convex mirror, image always formed behind the mirror, thus the distance of image is taken as positive. concave and convex mirrors. The vertex of the lens surface is located on the local optical axis. The Mirror Formula (also referred to as the mirror equation) gives us the relationship between the focal length (f), the distance of the object from the mirror (u) and the distance of the image from the mirror (v). Sign convention for reflection by spherical mirrors Reflection of light by spherical mirrors follow a set of sign conventions called the New Cartesian Sign Convention. Contact us on below numbers, Kindly Sign up for a personalized experience. If the reflected light rays do not converge but have to be extrapolated backwards to form an image, the image is called a virtual image. Example of Mirror Equation. All rights reserved. When image is formed in front of the mirror, the distance of image is taken as – (negative) and when image is formed behind the mirror, the distance of image is taken as + (positive). Sign is taken as + (positive) behind the spherical mirror. A spherical lens or mirror surface has a center of curvature located either along or decentered from the system local optical axis. In this page, we shall discuss the mirror formula, that is often taught and frequently used in various instances. Sign is taken as – (negative) from pole of a spherical mirror towards object along the principal axis.