Rays passing through the principal focus or directed towards the centre of curvature play a crucial role in image formation. They demonstrate the reflective properties of mirrors, leading to the emergence of parallel rays or reflection along the same path, contributing to the formation of images in concave and convex mirrors.
What is the significance of rays passing through the principal focus or the centre of curvature in forming images in concave and convex mirrors?
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Rays passing through the principal focus or the center of curvature play a crucial role in image formation in concave and convex mirrors. In a concave mirror, when parallel rays converge at the principal focus, they form a sharp, real image. If extended backward, these divergent rays converge at the center of curvature, creating another real image. In a convex mirror, these divergent rays appear to diverge from the virtual focus or diverge when extended backward from the virtual center of curvature, creating virtual images. Understanding these ray paths helps predict and analyze image characteristics in different mirror configurations.