Mirrors - Spherical Mirrors

Spherical mirrors are curved mirrors that form images different from those formed by plane mirrors. Unlike the flat mirrors commonly used at home, spherical mirrors distort images depending on their shape. For example, mirrors in a laughing chamber create distorted reflections due to their curved surfaces.

Laughing Chamber

These mirrors are also used in practical applications, such as rearview mirrors in cars, which allow drivers to see vehicles approaching from behind. The unique properties of spherical mirrors make them useful in various scientific, entertainment, and safety applications.

Formation and Reflection in Spherical Mirrors:

• Cut a rubber ball into two equal halves and observe the curved surfaces.
• The inner surface is concave, resembling a concave mirror, where light reflects inside the curve.
• The outer surface is convex, resembling a convex mirror, where light reflects outward.
• In real spherical mirrors, either the inner or outer surface of a hollow glass sphere is coated with a reflective material like silver or aluminium.
• Concave mirrors focus light and are used in headlights and magnifying mirrors, while convex mirrors spread light and are used in vehicle side mirrors and security mirrors.
• This activity demonstrates how spherical mirrors are formed and how light reflects differently depending on the curved surface.

Creation of spherical mirrors