It is defined as the ratio of the image height to the object height, which is closely related to the ratio of the image distance to the object distance

**Magnification produced by spherical mirrors:**

Spherical mirrors are curved mirrors that have a spherical shape. They can be either concave or convex, depending on the curvature of the mirror surface. The magnification produced by spherical mirrors refers to the change in size that an object undergoes when it is reflected by the mirror.

**Types of spherical mirrors:**

There are two types of spherical mirrors:

1. Concave mirrors: These mirrors have a curved surface that bulges inward. They are also known as converging mirrors because they converge incoming light rays to a focal point.

2. Convex mirrors: These mirrors have a curved surface that bulges outward. They are also known as diverging mirrors because they diverge incoming light rays.

**Magnification formula:**

The magnification produced by a spherical mirror can be calculated using the magnification formula:

Magnification (m) = Height of the image (h') / Height of the object (h)

The magnification can be positive or negative, depending on the nature of the image formed.

**Concave mirror magnification:**

In the case of a concave mirror, the magnification can be determined as follows:

- When the object is placed beyond the center of curvature (C) of the mirror, a real and inverted image is formed between the focal point (F) and the center of curvature (C). In this case, the magnification is positive and greater than 1, indicating an enlarged image.

- When the object is placed at the center of curvature (C), the image formed is of the same size as the object. The magnification is positive and equal to 1.

- When the object is placed between the center of curvature (C) and the focal point (F), a real and inverted image is formed beyond the center of curvature (C). In this case, the magnification is positive and less than 1, indicating a reduced image.

**Convex mirror magnification:**

In the case of a convex mirror, the magnification is always negative, indicating a virtual and diminished image. The image formed by a convex mirror is always upright and smaller in size compared to the object.

**Summary:**

The magnification produced by spherical mirrors is determined by the position of the object relative to the mirror. Concave mirrors can produce both enlarged and reduced images, while convex mirrors always produce diminished images. The magnification formula allows us to calculate the ratio of the image height to the object height, providing a quantitative measure of the size change.