Question

A ray of light travelling parallel to the principal axis strikes a convex mirror. After reflection, the ray:

Options

• Is reflected through the pole making equal angles with the principal axis

• Passes through the principal focus F in front of the mirror

• Appears to diverge from the principal focus F behind the mirror

• Retraces its path through the centre of curvature

Answer 1

For a convex mirror, a ray parallel to the principal axis diverges after reflection; when produced backwards, the reflected ray appears to diverge from the principal focus F, which lies behind the mirror.