How do convex mirrors affect light rays?

How do convex mirrors affect light rays?

• A. They cause light rays to converge to a focal point
• B. They cause light rays to diverge and produce a virtual image
• C. They absorb all incoming light
• D. They reflect light rays to create a larger image

Answer: (B)

Convex mirrors have a unique effect on incoming light rays due to their outward-curved shape. When parallel light rays strike a convex mirror, they reflect off the surface and diverge, meaning they spread out after reflection. This diverging of light rays is what allows convex mirrors to produce virtual images, which are images that cannot be projected on a screen but can be viewed by looking into the mirror. The virtual image formed by a convex mirror appears behind the mirror and is smaller than the actual object, which allows for a wider field of view. This property is particularly useful in applications such as vehicle side mirrors, where it helps drivers see a larger area than would be possible with a flat or concave mirror. This is in contrast to the other options, which do not accurately describe the behavior of convex mirrors. For instance, the notion of light rays converging is characteristic of concave mirrors rather than convex ones, and any mention of absorbing light does not apply to mirrors, which reflect light rather than absorbing it. Thus, the correct understanding of convex mirrors centers on their ability to diverge light rays and produce virtual images.

Convex mirrors have a unique effect on incoming light rays due to their outward-curved shape. When parallel light rays strike a convex mirror, they reflect off the surface and diverge, meaning they spread out after reflection. This diverging of light rays is what allows convex mirrors to produce virtual images, which are images that cannot be projected on a screen but can be viewed by looking into the mirror.

The virtual image formed by a convex mirror appears behind the mirror and is smaller than the actual object, which allows for a wider field of view. This property is particularly useful in applications such as vehicle side mirrors, where it helps drivers see a larger area than would be possible with a flat or concave mirror.

This is in contrast to the other options, which do not accurately describe the behavior of convex mirrors. For instance, the notion of light rays converging is characteristic of concave mirrors rather than convex ones, and any mention of absorbing light does not apply to mirrors, which reflect light rather than absorbing it. Thus, the correct understanding of convex mirrors centers on their ability to diverge light rays and produce virtual images.