Curved Mirrors Ray Diagrams

Front

Concave mirror

Back

Converging mirror

Front

Convex mirror

Back

Diverging mirror

Front

Principal axis

Back

Line through center and pole

Front

Focal point (F)

Back

Point where rays converge

Front

Center of curvature (C)

Back

Center of the mirror's sphere

Front

Real image

Back

Formed when rays converge

Front

Virtual image

Back

Formed when rays appear to diverge

Front

Ray parallel to axis

Back

Reflects through focal point

Front

Ray through focal point

Back

Reflects parallel to axis

Front

Ray through center

Back

Reflects back on itself