Page 6 - Lesson note reflection through concave mirror

Concave mirrors reflect light inward to one focal light. Therefore they are mostly

used to focus light. A concave mirror shows different image types depending on the
distance between the mirror and the object. Concave mirrors are called converging

mirrors because as light falls on the mirror, it collects the light and refocuses the
parallel incoming rays. Some of the most important and common application of

concave mirror are described below.

Used in shaving mirrors

Concave mirrors are most commonly used in shaving because of its reflective and
curved surface. During shaving, the concave mirror forms an enlarged and erect

image of the face when the mirror is held closer to the face.

Used as a head mirror

Concave mirrors are also used by E.N.T. specialist. They put the concave mirror on

their patient’s forehead. When the light rays from the light source are reflected from
the concave mirror, it is focused into the ear, nose, or throat of the patient making

the infected parts more visible.

Concave mirror uses in the ophthalmoscope

Concave mirrors are used in optical instruments such as

Ophthalmoscope. Ophthalmoscope consists of a concave mirror with a hole in the
center. The doctor focuses through the small hole from behind the concave mirror

while a light beam is directed into the pupil of the patient’s eye. This makes the retina
visible and makes it easy for doctors to check.

Uses of concave mirror in astronomical telescopes

Concave mirrors are also used in making astronomical telescopes. In an

astronomical telescope, a concave mirror of a diameter of 5 meters or more is used
as the objective.

Concave mirrors used in headlights

Concave mirrors are widely used in headlights of automobiles and motor vehicles,

torch lights, railway engines, etc. as reflectors. The light source is placed at the focus

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