Spherical Mirrors

Definition

Spherical mirrors refer to both concave and convex mirrors since they share the same shape - part of a sphere. These types of mirrors have curved surfaces that reflect light according to their specific curvature.

Analogy

Imagine spherical mirrors as different-sized bowls made entirely out of reflective material. Depending on the shape of the bowl, they can either collect and focus light (concave) or spread it out (convex).

Related terms

Radius of Curvature: The distance between the center of curvature and the mirror's surface.

Principal Axis: The imaginary line passing through the center of curvature and the vertex of a spherical mirror.

Mirror Equation: An equation that relates object distance, image distance, and focal length in spherical mirrors.