Mirror Ray Tracing

Mirror ray tracing is similar to lens ray tracing in that rays parallel to the optic axis and through the focal point are used. A third useful ray is that through the center of curvature since it is normal to the mirror and retraces its path backward.

Convex Mirror Image

A convex mirror forms a virtual image.The cartesian sign convention is used here.

Using a ray parallel to the principal axis and one incident upon the center of the mirror, the position of the image can be constructed by back-projecting the rays which reflect from the mirror. The virtual image that is formed will appear smaller and closer to the mirror than the object.

Concave Mirror Image

If the object is outside the focal length, a concave mirror will form a real, inverted image. The cartesian sign convention is used here.

Concave Mirror Image

If an object is placed inside the focal length of a concave mirror, and enlarged virtual and erect image will be formed behind the mirror. The cartesian sign convention is used here.