Mirrors

Periscopes use a system of plane mirrors set at precise angles that allow light to enter from one end, reflect twice, and exit from the other end, enabling views over obstacles or from hidden positions.

Yes, when the object is placed between the focal point and the mirror, concave mirrors produce virtual, erect, and magnified images.

Mirrors actually do not reverse images left to right; they reverse front to back. This common misconception arises because we interpret our reflection as another person facing us.

Lateral inversion refers to the phenomenon where the left and right sides of an object are reversed in the image. This is a common property of plane mirrors and explains why words appear backward when viewed in a mirror.

The mirror formula is 1/f = 1/u + 1/v, where f is the focal length, u is the image distance, and v is the object distance. It is used to calculate the position and nature of the image formed by concave and convex mirrors.

Convex mirrors are used in vehicle rearview mirrors to provide a wider field of view, and they are also installed in stores and at intersections for security and safety purposes.

A real image is formed when light rays actually meet after reflection or refraction. It can be projected onto a screen and is inverted. A virtual image is formed when light rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror; it cannot be projected onto a screen and is always upright.

Concave mirrors can focus light rays to form real images when the object is beyond the focal point. However, convex mirrors cause light rays to diverge, so they always form virtual images behind the mirror, making them useful for a wider field of view.