Convex mirror
Convex mirror is an interactive experiment in Ray Optics, a free simulation from StudyFi Lab that runs right in your browser.
A convex mirror reflects rays apart, as if they came from a focal point behind the mirror. Their extensions meet behind it, so the image is always virtual, upright and smaller. The focal length is negative and 1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ holds — that is why these mirrors are used at road junctions and on cars, where they show a wide view.
Try this: Shorten the focal length (a more curved mirror) — the image shrinks, so more of the surroundings fits in.
Frequently asked questions
What does the “Convex mirror” experiment show?
A convex mirror reflects rays apart, as if they came from a focal point behind the mirror. Their extensions meet behind it, so the image is always virtual, upright and smaller. The focal length is negative and 1/f = 1/dₒ + 1/dᵢ holds — that is why these mirrors are used at road junctions and on cars, where they show a wide view.
How do I try “Convex mirror”?
Shorten the focal length (a more curved mirror) — the image shrinks, so more of the surroundings fits in.
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