Understanding Image Formation by Concave Mirrors
Concave mirrors have unique properties that allow them to focus light rays and form images. When light from a distant source, like the sun, strikes a concave mirror, it behaves in a specific way.
1. Nature of the Image
- Real Image: A concave mirror forms a real image when the object (in this case, the sun) is located beyond the focal point of the mirror.
- Inverted: The real image formed is inverted, meaning it is upside down compared to the original object.
2. Characteristics of the Image
- Brightness: The image is bright because it is formed by the convergence of light rays. The more parallel the incoming rays (as from the sun), the more concentrated the light at the focus.
- Location: The real image will be formed at a point where the light rays converge after reflecting off the mirror.
3. Why Not Virtual?
- Virtual Image: A virtual image is formed when light rays appear to diverge from a point behind the mirror, which is not the case with the sun. Since the sun is a distant object, the light rays are primarily parallel and converge to form a real image.
Conclusion
In summary, a concave mirror forms a real image of the sun due to the convergence of parallel light rays. This image is also inverted and bright, making option 'A' the correct answer. Understanding the behavior of light with concave mirrors is essential for grasping fundamental concepts in optics.