Spherical mirror: where the image forms
"Spherical mirror: where the image forms" is a free, interactive Class 12 Physics simulation for NEET and JEE, built on the lesson "The mirror equation and magnification" in Ray Optics and Optical Instruments. Three rays leave the tip of the object. After reflection they meet at the tip of the image. Move the object towards the mirror and watch the image jump. Then try a convex mirror. Put each distance into 1/v + 1/u = 1/f with its own sign: the object is in front, so u is negative; concave f is negative, convex f positive. A negative v is a real image in front of the mirror; a negative m is an inverted image. A convex mirror never makes a real image of a real object. JEE Main asked 66 questions from this chapter across the 42 shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
From the lesson The mirror equation and magnification in Ray Optics and Optical Instruments. Change the values and watch what happens.
In JEE Main
42 shifts analysed
66 questions from Ray Optics and Optical Instruments across the 42 JEE Main shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
The idea behind it
NCERT § "The Mirror Equation"
- Object distance u, image distance v and focal length f are related by 1/v + 1/u = 1/f, with all values taken with their signs.
- Linear magnification of a mirror is m = h′/h = −v/u.
- A negative m means an inverted image, which for a single mirror is real; a positive m means an erect image, which is virtual.
- A concave mirror forms a real inverted image when the object is beyond the focus, and a virtual, erect, enlarged image when the object lies between the focus and the pole.
- A convex mirror always gives a virtual, erect, diminished image located between the pole and the focus, for any real object.
- For a concave mirror, an object placed at its centre of curvature gives a real inverted image of the same size, also at the centre of curvature.
- Substitute signed values only once, into the formula; do not also insert signs by hand into the equation.
Questions
3 answers
- What does the "Spherical mirror: where the image forms" simulation show?
- Three rays leave the tip of the object. After reflection they meet at the tip of the image. Move the object towards the mirror and watch the image jump. Then try a convex mirror.
- Does JEE Main ask questions from Ray Optics and Optical Instruments?
- Yes. JEE Main asked 66 questions from this chapter across the 42 shifts Lumi has analysed (2017–2026).
- Is this simulation free?
- Yes. It is free and runs in the browser on a phone or a laptop. It belongs to the lesson "The mirror equation and magnification" in Ray Optics and Optical Instruments (Class 12 Physics).
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