What type of image does a Convex mirror produce and Why?

Answer 1

A convex mirror produces a virtual image, because the principle light rays incident on the mirror surface from the object must pass through the focal point on the other side of the mirror (virtually), and so the image appears at a depth behind the mirror's surface. The three principle rays that form the focused image are:

1. The ray from the top of the object, parallel to the line passing through the center of the convex mirror, must pass through the focal point behind the mirror's surface.

2. The ray that passes from the top of the object and through the focal point in front of the mirror, comes through the mirror (virtually) parallel to the center line.

3. The ray that passes from the top of the object to the point where the surface of the mirror and the center line intersect, the reflection of which is traced back through the mirror's surface at the same angle as the reflected angle.

The place behind the mirror where these rays intersect is the placement of the virtual image.