Plane Mirrors

A plane mirror is a flat, smooth, and highly polished surface that reflects light. When light rays strike a plane mirror, they are reflected according to the law of reflection, which states that the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.

Reflection in Plane Mirrors

When light strikes a plane mirror, it is reflected back with the same angle at which it hit the mirror. This means that the incident ray, the reflected ray, and the normal (a line perpendicular to the mirror's surface at the point of incidence) all lie in the same plane.

Characteristics of Images Formed by Plane Mirrors

When an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, it forms a virtual image that appears behind the mirror. The characteristics of the image formed by a plane mirror are as follows:

1. The image formed is virtual, meaning it cannot be projected onto a screen.
2. The image is upright and laterally inverted (left and right are switched).
3. The image is located as far behind the mirror as the object is in front of it.
4. The size of the image is the same as the size of the object.

Study Guide for Plane Mirrors

To study plane mirrors effectively, consider the following key points:

1. Understand the law of reflection and the angles involved in the reflection of light by a plane mirror.
2. Learn how to draw accurate ray diagrams to show the reflection of light by a plane mirror and the formation of virtual images.
3. Practice identifying the characteristics of images formed by plane mirrors, including their location, orientation, and size.
4. Explore real-life applications of plane mirrors, such as in periscopes, rear-view mirrors, and dressing mirrors.
5. Understand how the use of multiple plane mirrors can create complex reflection patterns, such as in kaleidoscopes and infinity mirrors.

By mastering these concepts and practicing related problems, you can gain a solid understanding of plane mirrors and their role in the reflection of light.