Suppose that the mirror is moved so that the tree is between the focus point F and the mirror. What happens to the image of the tree? Use the ray diagram for a curved mirror to answer the question.

1 answer

When a mirror is moved so that the tree is between the focus point (F) and the mirror (essentially, the tree is located within the focal point of a concave mirror), the image characteristics can be analyzed using the ray diagram for a curved mirror.

  1. Location of the Object: Placing the tree between the mirror and the focus (F) means it is within the focal length of the concave mirror.

  2. Image Characteristics:

    • Virtual Image: The image formed will be virtual since the object is within the focal length of the concave mirror. Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen.
    • Upright Image: The image will be upright in relation to the object.
    • Magnified Image: The image will be larger than the actual height of the tree.
  3. Ray Diagram Steps:

    • Ray Parallel: A ray of light from the tree that is parallel to the principal axis will reflect off the mirror and pass through the focal point (F).
    • Ray Through Focus: Another ray that passes through the focus before reaching the mirror will reflect parallel to the principal axis.
    • Ray Intersection: The extensions of these reflected rays will converge behind the mirror, creating a virtual image.

In conclusion, when the tree is positioned between the focus and the mirror, a virtual, upright, and magnified image of the tree is formed. This is a typical behavior of concave mirrors when objects are placed within their focal length.