Excercise: Geometrical Optics

Reflection, refraction, and the formation of images by mirrors and lenses has been successful described by the

• wave model of light.
• ray model of light.
• particle model of light.
• none of the given answers

The principle on which mirrors work is

• refraction.
• polarization.
• dispersion.
• reflection.

An image formed when the light rays do not actually pass through the image location, and would not appear on paper or film placed at that location is referred to as a

• real image.
• virtual image.
• source image.
• original image.

An image formed when the light rays pass through the image location, and could appear on paper or film placed at the that location is referred to as a

• real image.
• virtual image.
• source image.
• original image.

Is it possible to see a virtual image?

• No, since the rays that seem to emanate from a virtual image do not in fact emanate from the image.
• No, since virtual images do not really exist.
• Yes, the rays that appear to emanate from a virtual image can be focused on the retina just like those from an illuminated object.
• Yes, since almost everything we see is virtual because most things do not themselves give off light, but only reflect light coming from some other source.

A spherical mirror on which reflection takes place on the outer surface of the spherical shape is referred to as a

• convex mirror.
• concave mirror.
• convex lens.
• concave lens.

A spherical mirror on which reflection takes place on the inner surface of the sphere is referred to as a

• convex mirror.
• concave mirror.
• convex lens.
• concave lens.

A light ray, traveling parallel to a concave mirror's axis, strikes the mirror's surface near its midpoint. After reflection, this ray

• again travels parallel to the mirror's axis.
• travels at right angles to the mirror's axis.
• passes through the mirror's center of curvature.
• passes through the mirror's focal point.

Light arriving at a concave mirror on a path parallel to the axis is reflected

• back parallel to the axis.
• back on itself.
• through the focal point.
• through the center of curvature.

If you stand in front of a concave mirror, exactly at its focal point,

• you won't see your image because there is none.
• you won't see your image because it's focused at a different distance.
• you will see your image, and you will appear smaller.
• you will see your image and you will appear larger.