alleryStart learning →A ray approaches a convex mirror parallel to its axis. How does the reflected ray behave?
AIt passes through a focal point in front
BIt seems to come from a focal point behind
CIt returns exactly along the incoming path
DIt stays parallel to the axis after reflecting
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. It seems to come from a focal point behind
1. A ray approaching a convex diverging mirror parallel to its axis is reflected so that it seems to come from the focal point F behind the mirror.
2. No real light passes through that focal point, which is why the focal length of a convex mirror is negative.
3. Extending the reflected rays backwards is what locates the virtual image a convex mirror forms.
4. A focal point in front of the mirror, with real light passing through it, belongs to the concave case.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 25 "Geometric Optics", section 25.7 Image Formation by Mirrors_
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