A straight line joining the object point and image point is always per...
A straight line joining the object point and image point is always perpendicular to the mirror because it passes through the centre of curvature in spherical mirrors. And in case of plane mirrors they bisects the line between the object and the image.
A straight line joining the object point and image point is always per...
Mirror as a Plane Mirror:
A plane mirror is a flat mirror with a smooth reflecting surface. When an object is placed in front of a plane mirror, the image formed is virtual, erect, and of the same size as the object.
- The line joining the object point and the image point in a plane mirror is called the principal axis.
- The image formed in a plane mirror is symmetrical to the object with respect to the principal axis.
In the case of a plane mirror, the line joining the object point and the image point is always perpendicular to the mirror. This is because the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection, and these angles are always equal for a plane mirror. Therefore, the line joining the object point and the image point forms a right angle with the mirror surface.
Mirror as a Concave Mirror:
A concave mirror is a mirror with a reflecting surface that curves inward. It is also known as a converging mirror.
- When an object is placed in front of a concave mirror, the image formed can be real or virtual, depending on the position of the object.
- The image formed by a concave mirror can be magnified or diminished, depending on the position of the object.
In the case of a concave mirror, the line joining the object point and the image point is not always perpendicular to the mirror. The angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of reflection for concave mirrors, except for special cases like when the object is placed at the center of curvature or at the focus. Therefore, the line joining the object point and the image point may not form a right angle with the mirror surface.
Mirror as a Convex Mirror:
A convex mirror is a mirror with a reflecting surface that curves outward. It is also known as a diverging mirror.
- When an object is placed in front of a convex mirror, the image formed is always virtual, erect, and diminished.
- The image formed by a convex mirror is always smaller than the object.
Similar to a concave mirror, in the case of a convex mirror, the line joining the object point and the image point is not always perpendicular to the mirror. The angle of incidence is not equal to the angle of reflection for convex mirrors. Therefore, the line joining the object point and the image point may not form a right angle with the mirror surface.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, a straight line joining the object point and the image point is always perpendicular to the mirror surface only in the case of a plane mirror. For concave and convex mirrors, the line joining the object point and the image point may not be perpendicular to the mirror surface. Hence, the correct answer is option 'D' None of these.