FOCUS AND FOCAL LENGTH OF A SPHERICAL MIRROR



Principal focus of a concave mirror
 Rays of light incident on a concave mirror, parallel to the principal axis, passes through a fixed point on the principal axis after reflection. This point is the principal focus (F) of the concave mirror.




Principal focus of a convex mirror
 Rays of light incident on a convex mirror parallel to the principal axis appear to come from a fixed point on the other side of the mirror. This point is the principal focus of the convex mirror.




Focal length (f)

 Distance from the pole of a mirror to its principal focus is the focal length. It is indicated using the letter f.
 f= R/2           

                           



Focal plane

Rays of light coming from infinity, making different angles with the principal axis get focused at different points. The plane formed by these points is perpendicular to the principal axis and passes through the principal focus. This plane is the focal plane.


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