No, mirrors do not always produce real images; it depends on the type of mirror and the object's position relative to it.
Types of Images Formed by Mirrors
Mirrors can form both real and virtual images. A real image is formed when light rays actually converge at a point, and this image can be projected onto a screen. A virtual image, on the other hand, is formed when light rays appear to converge at a point, but they do not actually do so. Virtual images cannot be projected onto a screen.
How Different Mirrors Create Images:
| Mirror Type | Image Type | Image Characteristics | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plane Mirror | Virtual | Upright, same size, laterally inverted, behind the mirror | Bathroom mirror |
| Convex Mirror | Virtual | Upright, smaller, behind the mirror | Side-view mirrors in cars, security mirrors |
| Concave Mirror | Real or Virtual | Inverted or upright, magnified or diminished, front or behind the mirror (depending on object distance) | Makeup mirror, reflecting telescope, solar cooker |
Concave Mirrors: The Exception
The reference text highlights a critical distinction: concave mirrors can produce real images. The key factor is the object's position relative to the focal point:
- If the object is closer to the mirror than the focal point, the image formed is virtual, like with plane and convex mirrors.
- If the object is further from the mirror than the focal point, the image formed is real.
Examples of Real Images with Concave Mirrors
- Reflecting Telescopes: Concave mirrors focus light from distant objects to create a real image that can be viewed.
- Solar Cookers: Concave mirrors are used to focus sunlight onto a point, creating a real, very hot image used for cooking.
- Projectors: Some older projectors used concave mirrors to create a real image of the slide.
Key Takeaway
While plane and convex mirrors exclusively create virtual images, concave mirrors can form both virtual and real images, depending on object distance. Therefore, mirrors are not inherently real image creators, the type of image is determined by the type of mirror and object placement.
