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Discuss the formation of images by plane and cu... - SS2 Physics Geometrical Optics Question

Discuss the formation of images by plane and curved mirrors, considering the characteristics of the images formed. 

Plane mirrors and curved mirrors, such as concave and convex mirrors, have distinct characteristics in terms of the formation of images. Understanding these characteristics is vital in predicting the nature and properties of the images formed.

A plane mirror forms virtual images that are upright and the same size as the object. The image appears to be located behind the mirror, at the same distance as the object is in front of the mirror. This image formation occurs due to the regular reflection of light according to the laws of reflection. Plane mirrors are commonly used in everyday situations, such as in dressing mirrors, bathroom mirrors, and periscopes.

Concave mirrors, on the other hand, can form both real and virtual images, depending on the position of the object relative to the mirror. When the object is placed beyond the focal point of a concave mirror, a real inverted image is formed. The size of the image can be larger or smaller than the object, depending on the distance between the object and the mirror. This property makes concave mirrors useful in various applications, including in telescopes, shaving mirrors, and headlights of vehicles.

In contrast, convex mirrors always form virtual images that are upright and smaller than the object. The image appears to be located behind the mirror, at a point where the reflected rays appear to converge. Convex mirrors have a wider field of view compared to concave mirrors and are commonly used in rear-view mirrors of vehicles and in surveillance systems.

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