Understanding how light behaves when it hits curved mirrors is...
Physics97 views·Updated Aug 5, 2026·2 pagesComprehensive Guide to Mirror Ray Diagram Cases
Maithy Smith@maithysmith
1
of 2
Concave Mirror Ray Diagrams
Concave mirrors (mirrors that curve inward) create different types of images depending on where you place the object. When an object is placed at different positions relative to the mirror's focal point (F) and center of curvature (C), the image changes dramatically.
When an object is placed far beyond the center of curvature (Case I), the image appears between C and F. This image is real, inverted (upside-down), and smaller than the original object. This is similar to how telescopes form images of distant objects!
If you place the object exactly at the center of curvature (Case II), the image appears directly below the object. It remains real and inverted, but is the same size as the original object.
💡 Remember: Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot. An easy way to tell - real images form on the same side of the mirror as the object!
For objects positioned between C and F (Case III), the image appears beyond C. This image is still real and inverted, but is larger than the original object - this is why makeup mirrors are concave!
2
of 2
More Mirror Behaviors
When an object is placed inside the focal point of a concave mirror (Case IV), something interesting happens! The image appears on the opposite side of the mirror, is virtual, and appears upright and larger than the original. This is why concave mirrors are used for magnifying your face when applying makeup.
Convex mirrors (mirrors that curve outward) are simpler because they only produce one type of image regardless of object placement. The image always appears on the opposite side of the mirror, is virtual, upright, and smaller than the original object.
🚗 Next time you see a side-view mirror on a car with "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" printed on it, you're looking at a convex mirror in action! These mirrors give drivers a wider field of view but make objects appear smaller.
Convex mirrors are excellent for security and safety applications where a wide field of view is needed, like store security mirrors or the mirrors on school buses that help drivers see around blind spots.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content in AP Physics 1
9AP Physics 1Newton's Second Law of Motion
A detailed explanation of Concept of Newton's Second Law of Motion, Examples, Formulas, and Sample Problems with solution.
43214
PhysicsTranslational Motion and Rotational Motion
Applications of Translational and Rotational Motion
11th1791
PhysicsPhysics Reviewer
This is an extensive physics reviewer.
11th1,57234
P
Physicsphysical science 8th grade
test your abilities
8th1430
PhysicsSimple Machines PowerPoint
This presentation offers an explanation of simple machines and how to solve for mechanical advantage, ideal mechanical advantage, and efficiency of each machine. It also provides definitions and examples.
9th31313
PhysicsIntroduction to civil engineering 1
Lecture notes 1
College29411
AP Physics 1General Physics (Free-falling Objects)
A presentation about the concept of Free-falling Objects in Physics-Formulas, Sample Problems, and Exercises.
1587
PhysicsIntroduction to civil engineering 2
Study notes for introduction to civil engineering
College1664
PhysicsThermodynamics and ideal gas law
Notes on the principles of thermodynamic, including linear/area/voleume expansion, ideal gas law and kinetic theory of gases
College833
Most popular content
9I
SAT®Introduction to SAT Error Pattern Analysis
Practice identifying common reasoning traps and misinterpretations in SAT reading and math stimuli to understand why distractors are plausible.
9th2,4200
I
SAT®Introduction to SAT Scoring and Scaled Results
Practice interpreting how raw scores are converted to the 1600-point scale and identifying the composition of section scores.
9th9030
P
SAT®Properties of Integer Operations
Practice applying commutative, associative, and distributive properties to solve complex SAT-style integer expressions.
9th7680
I
SAT®Identifying Independent Clauses and Phrases
Practice distinguishing between complete sentences and modifying phrases within complex SAT Reading and Writing passages.
9th3640
C
BiologyCell Organelles
This Quiz Is To Test Your Knowledge Of Cell Organelles And Their Functions Inside The Cell. It Can Also Be A Study Guide To Remember Them Better.
6th7230
B
Biologybiology cell organelles and functions
Do you know the cell organelles and their functions?
9th5240
M
MathematicsMath Made Easy: Essential Concepts for Grade 7
Master key math concepts with this comprehensive flashcard set designed specifically for 7th graders. Boost your understanding and ace your exams!
7th7581
I
SAT®Identifying Parts of Speech in Context
Practice identifying how words function as different parts of speech within complex SAT-style sentences to determine grammatical accuracy.
9th2440
AlgebraFAR NOTES- CPM
Compiled by CPM
College2,11647
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user
Physics97 views·Updated Aug 5, 2026·2 pagesComprehensive Guide to Mirror Ray Diagram Cases
Maithy Smith@maithysmith
Understanding how light behaves when it hits curved mirrors is essential in physics. This guide breaks down how images form in concave and convex mirrors, showing you exactly where images appear and what they look like depending on object placement.
1
of 2
Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Concave Mirror Ray Diagrams
Concave mirrors (mirrors that curve inward) create different types of images depending on where you place the object. When an object is placed at different positions relative to the mirror's focal point (F) and center of curvature (C), the image changes dramatically.
When an object is placed far beyond the center of curvature (Case I), the image appears between C and F. This image is real, inverted (upside-down), and smaller than the original object. This is similar to how telescopes form images of distant objects!
If you place the object exactly at the center of curvature (Case II), the image appears directly below the object. It remains real and inverted, but is the same size as the original object.
💡 Remember: Real images can be projected onto a screen, while virtual images cannot. An easy way to tell - real images form on the same side of the mirror as the object!
For objects positioned between C and F (Case III), the image appears beyond C. This image is still real and inverted, but is larger than the original object - this is why makeup mirrors are concave!
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
More Mirror Behaviors
When an object is placed inside the focal point of a concave mirror (Case IV), something interesting happens! The image appears on the opposite side of the mirror, is virtual, and appears upright and larger than the original. This is why concave mirrors are used for magnifying your face when applying makeup.
Convex mirrors (mirrors that curve outward) are simpler because they only produce one type of image regardless of object placement. The image always appears on the opposite side of the mirror, is virtual, upright, and smaller than the original object.
🚗 Next time you see a side-view mirror on a car with "Objects in mirror are closer than they appear" printed on it, you're looking at a convex mirror in action! These mirrors give drivers a wider field of view but make objects appear smaller.
Convex mirrors are excellent for security and safety applications where a wide field of view is needed, like store security mirrors or the mirrors on school buses that help drivers see around blind spots.
We thought you’d never ask...
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Similar Content
Most popular content in AP Physics 1
9AP Physics 1Newton's Second Law of Motion
A detailed explanation of Concept of Newton's Second Law of Motion, Examples, Formulas, and Sample Problems with solution.
43214
PhysicsTranslational Motion and Rotational Motion
Applications of Translational and Rotational Motion
11th1791
PhysicsPhysics Reviewer
This is an extensive physics reviewer.
11th1,57234
P
Physicsphysical science 8th grade
test your abilities
8th1430
PhysicsSimple Machines PowerPoint
This presentation offers an explanation of simple machines and how to solve for mechanical advantage, ideal mechanical advantage, and efficiency of each machine. It also provides definitions and examples.
9th31313
PhysicsIntroduction to civil engineering 1
Lecture notes 1
College29411
AP Physics 1General Physics (Free-falling Objects)
A presentation about the concept of Free-falling Objects in Physics-Formulas, Sample Problems, and Exercises.
1587
PhysicsIntroduction to civil engineering 2
Study notes for introduction to civil engineering
College1664
PhysicsThermodynamics and ideal gas law
Notes on the principles of thermodynamic, including linear/area/voleume expansion, ideal gas law and kinetic theory of gases
College833
Most popular content
9I
SAT®Introduction to SAT Error Pattern Analysis
Practice identifying common reasoning traps and misinterpretations in SAT reading and math stimuli to understand why distractors are plausible.
9th2,4200
I
SAT®Introduction to SAT Scoring and Scaled Results
Practice interpreting how raw scores are converted to the 1600-point scale and identifying the composition of section scores.
9th9030
P
SAT®Properties of Integer Operations
Practice applying commutative, associative, and distributive properties to solve complex SAT-style integer expressions.
9th7680
I
SAT®Identifying Independent Clauses and Phrases
Practice distinguishing between complete sentences and modifying phrases within complex SAT Reading and Writing passages.
9th3640
C
BiologyCell Organelles
This Quiz Is To Test Your Knowledge Of Cell Organelles And Their Functions Inside The Cell. It Can Also Be A Study Guide To Remember Them Better.
6th7230
B
Biologybiology cell organelles and functions
Do you know the cell organelles and their functions?
9th5240
M
MathematicsMath Made Easy: Essential Concepts for Grade 7
Master key math concepts with this comprehensive flashcard set designed specifically for 7th graders. Boost your understanding and ace your exams!
7th7581
I
SAT®Identifying Parts of Speech in Context
Practice identifying how words function as different parts of speech within complex SAT-style sentences to determine grammatical accuracy.
9th2440
AlgebraFAR NOTES- CPM
Compiled by CPM
College2,11647
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user