Centre of Curvature of Spherical Mirrors

Spherical Mirrors

• The reflecting surface of a spherical mirror forms part of a sphere, with a centre called the centre of curvature (C).
• The centre of curvature lies outside the reflecting surface, not being part of the mirror itself.
• In concave mirrors, the centre of curvature is in front of the mirror, while in convex mirrors, it is behind the mirror.

Radius of Curvature

• The radius of the sphere forming the reflecting surface of a spherical mirror is called the radius of curvature (R).
• The distance PC is equal to the radius of curvature.

Principal Axis

• A straight line passing through the pole and the centre of curvature of a spherical mirror is called the principal axis.
• The principal axis is normal to the mirror at its pole.

This quiz is about the centre of curvature of spherical mirrors, including its location and characteristics in concave and convex mirrors.