PhysicsLAB Lab
Blank Ray Diagrams for Diverging, Convex, Mirrors

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Diverging mirrors, sometimes refered to as "shoplifting mirrors," only form reduced, virtual images. As can be seen in this diagram below, the incident rays (yellow) all begin on the top of the object (red arrow) and are each scattered from the mirror's front, convex surface. The reflections when dotted back (green lines) form a virtual image (gray arrow) behind the mirror.

As with the diagrams for converging mirrors, we will be using a vertical line to represent these convex mirrors so as to minimize any spherical aberrations.
 
 
 
Case I: the object is located infinitely far away 
 
 
 
Case II: the object is located two focal lengths in front of the mirror.
 
 
 
 
Case III: the object is located one focal length in front of the mirror.
 
 


When these diagrams are finished, do not forget that each student is to individually submit their own online lab form. On the form, you are to ONLY input your numerical values - the correct units have already been supplied. Make sure that your teacher or his/her designee signs off the Teacher Certification area (signifying that your diagrams have been visually checked for correctness) before posting your submission.

 
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